9 of the best cordless lawn mowers in 2025, tested and rated by our reviews experts

Interested in other types of mower? Don't worry, we've also done thorough reviews of the best lawn mowers in general, the best robotic lawn mowers, the best electric lawn mowers and the best push mowers. We've loved testing these mowers, and we really do want to help you make the right choice for your needs – so read on, and happy shopping.
Oliver Parsons, gardenersworld.com

The best cordless mowers to buy at a glance

• Best value self-propelled cordless mower 2025: Worx Nitro WG749E 40V 46cm – £449.99
• Best self-propelled cordless mower for smaller gardens 2025: Ego LM1702E-SP 42cm self-propelled mower (kit) – £619
• Best self-propelled cordless mower for larger lawns 2025: Stihl RMA 448 RV rear roller – £929
• Best cordless mower for ease of use 2025: Husqvarna Aspire LC34 P4A – £339
• Best cordless mower for ease of use 2024: Webb Eco WEV20X2LM43B4X 40V cordless mower – £279.99
• Best cordless mower for budget 2023: Greenworks GDG24LM33 – £179.99
• Best cordless mower for small to medium lawns 2022: Yard Force LMG37A – £259.99
• Best cordless mower for very small lawns 2022: Gardena Handymower – £237.80
• Best budget cordless mower buy for ease of use 2022: Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li – £206.95

Jump to:

• BEST BUY CORDLESS MOWERS
• Why you can trust Gardeners' World reviews
• How we test cordless mowers
• Meet our panel of testers
• Previous Best Buy winners
• The best of the rest
• What are the benefits of a cordless lawn mower?
• How to choose the best cordless lawn mower
• What can I expect to pay for a cordless mower?
• How long will the batteries last?

Cordless mowers - Buyer's Guide video

Many thanks to Rosie Yeomans and Sparsholt College for their help in making this video.

Why you can trust Gardeners' World reviews

As trained gardeners and seasoned users of all sorts of garden tools, Kay Maguire, myself, and the rest of the team at Gardeners' World have reviewed literally shedloads of lawn mowers over the years, using our trusted testing matrix to make sure we're giving balanced, fair judgements.

We test lawn mowers in varied, real-world conditions, cutting the sort of grass most of us actually have in our gardens. Because we're real-world gardeners with lots of experience, we know what to look out for and the sorts of things that will make all the difference once you're using a mower week in and week out.

We give each mower an at-a-glance list of pros and cons for clarity, and a rating out of five. Every mower in our round-up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.We also don't share product reviews with manufacturers or retailers before they're published, and we don't accept payment in exchange for positive reviews, either.
Oliver Parsons, gardenersworld.com

How we test the best cordless lawn mowers

When we test cordless mowers, we follow the whole process from start to finish without any shortcuts. We unpack the mower from the box, put it together following the instructions (sometimes these are clear as mud, sometimes not!), and then get started, cutting grass over a wide area.

We mow over rough grass, smoother grass, slopes and bumps – whatever is in our way – just as you would with your own mower. And after that, we also take notes on how easy the mower is to fold down and put away, because if a mower is annoying in that regard you'll always hate using it.

Then, we score each model against these four criteria, with equal marks attributed to each one:

• Set-up and storage. We assess how easy the mower was to put together and fold up or store afterwards. We also look at how long the battery takes to charge—this makes a big difference when you want to get the job done but realise the battery's flat from last time.
• Handling. We also judge the mower for how comfortable it is to use, and how easy it is to control. Handle-height adjustment, cut-height adjustment, overall weight, noise levels and run time on one charge all make a big difference here.
• Mowing. Also important, we look at the cutting width and the range of cutting heights that can be selected. The capacity of the grass box, AKA collection bag, also makes a big difference here, and can save you from making constant trips over to the compost heap. We also look out for neat extra features such as cutting to the edge, or mulching modes.
• Value for money. Tricky but super-important: how well does the mower weigh up when you balance the quality, features, warranty and overall package of benefits against the price? For example, the Worx WG779E was awarded Best Buy for the range of features it offered at its low price point.

For more on our testing process across all the different gardening product categories, see How we review

In every review category, we award the most outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend (the best of the rest), browse our pick of the best cordless lawn mowers, below.

Meet our testing panel

Oliver Parsons, Strategic Projects Editor
Oliver is a gardener and magazine journalist of 20 years’ experience. He trained as a professional horticulturalist at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford and has also worked for Gardening Which?, as a freelance gardener and with the gardening team at Down House in Kent. He is now Strategic Projects Editor at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and GardenersWorld.com, heading up our reviews desk, Apple News output and weekly newsletter.

Kay Maguire, Magazines Editor
Kay trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and has been writing and making films about gardening ever since. She has written for websites and magazines, including The Garden and Amateur Gardening, was Horticultural Editor on BBC Gardeners' World for five years, and has also written several books on a range of gardening topics from growing house plants to making the most of a small space. After several years as Reviews Editor, building up our reviews section into a leading resource for UK gardeners, she has now become Magazines Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, responsible for all print output.

Harry Duncton, freelance powered tools tester
Harry has a wealth of experience, from being a language teacher to a tree surgeon, and has built this into a career writing about all things DIY and gardening. A passionate believer in self-reliance, his aim is to inspire others to give it a go themselves and not worry about making a few mistakes along the way. A regular contributor to popular DIY blogs and a recent addition to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team, he loves tracking down the best new tools and writing about them.

Sue Fisher, freelance garden writer
Sue’s extensive horticultural career spans over 40 years, starting with a decade in the garden centre and nursery industry before developing into an accomplished gardening writer, designer and speaker. Sue writes regularly for BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, GardenersWorld.com, and Garden Answers magazine. She has written 10 books on subjects including container gardening, plants for small gardens and designing with colour, and she has co-authored other books with some of the biggest names in gardening.

Emma Crawforth, Horticulture Editor
Emma holds the Kew Diploma in Horticulture and has been working in horticulture for 18 years, including roles in public gardens, a plant nursery supplying plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a training college for young horticulturists. She looks after an ornamental, fruit and veg garden at home and regularly undertakes trips to see plants growing in their natural habitats. She is the author of the Kew Publications book, ‘Things to do with Plants’.

Best Buy cordless mowers

Best cordless self-propelled mowers

Worx Nitro WG749E 40V 46cm

RRP: £449.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Worx

Pros:

• Battery power is visible when you mow
• Cutting power adjusts to grass length
• Part of Worx 20V PowerShare system

Cons:

• Collection bag is fiddly to assemble
• Heavy

This easy-to-use mower needs no assembly and has a quick-release, collapsible handle so it’s very simple to store. It even stands up vertically, taking up much less space than most. It requires two 20V 4Ah PowerShare batteries, which give a 40-minute run time and the battery power level is clearly visible while you mow. The batteries and the charger are also interchangeable with all other Worx PowerShare tools. It offers seven cutting heights, 20-80mm, which are easy to adjust with a simple lever. It also has a cutting width of 46cm, making it ideal for medium-size lawns.. The mower also has a simple speed control, plus it adjusts its cutting power according to grass length and conditions, which helps save on battery. It has a safety key and a 55L collection bag so there's plenty of room for the cuttings, but there's also a mulching option so you can choose to let the cuttings fall back on the lawn to feed the grass rather than worry about emptying the bag. Considering the wealth of features this mower offers, it's a great-value option. It has a warranty of three years, plus two more if registered, and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best value self-propelled mower.

Available from Worx

Ego LM1702E-SP 42cm self-propelled mower (kit)

RRP: £619

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Just Lawnmowers

Pros:

• Adjustable handle for different users
• Easy to handle and store
• Battery charge is clearly visible as you mow

Cons:

• Shorter run time and no mulching option
• Only available as a kit

This is a well-thought-out mower that requires no assembly, so you can get mowing almost as soon as it arrives. It has a quick-release, telescopic handle, which offers a bespoke handle height and also makes it very easy to compact down and store. Once folded, it can also be stood up vertically, helping it take up even less space in storage. It offers a wide choice of cutting heights, 20-80mm, and a 42cm cutting width, so it's ideal for smaller-sized gardens. It runs on a 56V battery, which can mow 300m² on a single charge, and is compatible with other Ego Power+ tools. The battery level is also clearly visible whilst you mow. This mower has a safety key, which can be stored away from the mower to ensure only the user can operate it, and it is easy to operate and handle, with an easy speed control, a 55L grass bag, and even headlights. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best self-propelled mower for smaller lawns. It comes with a five-year warranty.

Available from Just Lawnmowers

Stihl RMA 448 RV rear roller cordless mower

RRP: £979

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Just Lawnmowers

Pros:

• Energy-saving mode increases run time
• Rear roller for stripes
• Easy to switch to mulching
• Low cutting height for neat finish
• Compatible with Stihl AK system

Cons:

• Large, fiddly plastic grass box
• No safety key

This distinctive mower is ready to use straight out of the box; only the grass box needs assembly, and that is a little tricky. The mono handle allows for easy access to the grass box but also adjusts in height and can be folded flat over the mower, making it easier to store. When folded, the mower can also be stood up vertically, helping it take up even less room in the shed or garage. It lacks a safety key but has other good features, including speed control and a mulching option that's as simple as a flick of a switch. It has a cutting width of 46cm and offers a wide range of five cutting heights, from 15 to 60mm, so you can get a neat, tight clip. This is particularly useful as this mower also has a rear roller to create beautiful stripes on the lawn. It requires a 36V 5Ah battery, which gives you enough power to mow a 340m² lawn on a single charge, plus there's space for a spare battery, if you have one. It's also compatible with all Stihl AK cordless tools, saving you money if you invest in the future. It comes with a two-year warranty, and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best self-propelled mower for larger lawns.

Available from Just Lawnmowers

Best cordless push mowers

Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A

RRP: £339

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

Available from Husqvarna

Pros:

• Quiet
• Cuts even long grass with ease
• Battery level visible while mowing
• Small and compact for easy storage
• Part of the POWER FOR ALL cordless range

Cons:

• Only four cutting heights
• 95 minutes charge time

Part of the new Husqvarna Aspire cordless range, which includes a hedge trimmer, pruner and leaf blower, this 34cm mower is powered by an 18V POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE battery and charger. These are interchangeable with tools in other leading brands such as Flymo, Gardena and Bosch so if you also invest in tools in these ranges, you’ll only need to buy the bare tool and won’t have different batteries and chargers taking up space in the shed.

Great for small gardens, the mower comes ready to go, there’s no assembly or handles to attach, and it folds down to a compact size when you’re finished, with a telescopic handle that folds completely flat over the body of the mower. It can then be stood up against a wall or hung up, and even comes with a handy hook. The 30l grass bag also flattens down to take up very little room and can be hung on the mower. The Aspire is light, with a carry handle so that lifting it up steps or into other areas is easy and it has an adjustable handle to suit different height users. It’s comfortable and easy to manoeuvre around the garden and has just four cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 25-65mm and changed easily with a single lever on the body of the mower. It cuts grass quietly and smoothly and has an automatic boost that increases blade speed when you’re mowing in tougher, longer areas that works well. You can hear it kick in when you push the mower into longer grass, and unlike other cordless mowers that can cut out, it just carries on cutting the grass. While you mow, the battery charge level is always clearly visible, so you know how much battery you have left and when it needs charging. It comes with a two-year warranty, and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy in 2023 for ease of use.

Specs: Battery: charge time - 95 mins; run time - 500sqm. Cutting: width - 34cm; height - 25-65mm. Grass box - 30 litre.

Webb Eco WEV20X2LM43B4X 40V cordless mower

RRP: £279.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from Marshalls and Amazon

Pros

• Quiet, comfortable, and smooth to handle
• Long run time
• Great for storage
• Spare parts available

Cons

• Battery level not visible when mowing
• No safety plug

Easy to put together, this mower just needs the handle attached, and the 50L fabric grass bag has already been assembled. There’s a choice of three handle heights, and it double folds snugly over the mower, so it takes up very little space in storage. The two 20V 4Ah batteries have a charge indicator on the end, and although there’s no way of seeing this when the mower’s in use, the approximately 60-minute run time means there’s time to finish cutting most small to medium lawns. The handle is padded for comfort and this mower is smooth and easy to push, even over longer, bumpier lawns. It cut very well in our test and the six heights of cut, from 25-75mm are easy to adjust with a single lever. At 96db, the mower is reasonably quiet, and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award for ease of use. It also feels durable and sturdy, with spare parts readily available from Webb, and it comes with a three-year warranty.

Greenworks GDG24LM33

RRP: £179.99 (with 2Ah battery)

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Amazon, Currys, Tooled Up, B&Q

Pros:

• Easy to assemble and use
• Comfortable padded handle
• Choice of mulching or collecting clippings
• Battery interchangeable with Greenworks 24V family

Cons:

• Short handle for taller users
• Struggles on long grass

Ideal for smaller gardens, this sturdy, great-value cordless mower is easy to put together, well thought out and simple to use. Thanks to a padded handle, it's comfortable to push, although it did feel a little short for our taller tester, and it's light and easy to manoeuvre around trees and beds and borders. There are five cutting heights to choose from, adjusted with the simple lift of a lever, and it offers the choice of collecting clippings in the 30-litre fabric grass bag or inserting the mulching plug and leaving them on the lawn to break down and feed the grass. It mows well but doesn't like very long grass, with the battery cutting out occasionally, but its long-lasting brushless motor offers a decent run time of 46 minutes, and it charges in two hours. Plus, as part of the Greenworks 24V family, both the battery and charger are interchangeable with all the other tools in the range, saving you money if you invest in more in the future. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget cordless mower in 2023.

Specs: Battery: charge time - 120 mins; run time - 46mins. Cutting: width - 33cm; height - 25-70mm. Grass box - 30 litre.

• Buy now from Amazon and Robert Dyas

Yard Force LMG37A 40v 37cm

RRP: £259.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from B&Q, Amazon

Pros:

• Rear roller
• Double folding handle for easy storage
• Quickest charge time
• Part of the Yard Force GR40 cordless range

Cons:

• Assembly is slower than some

This sturdy mower has a 37cm cutting width and useful features, including a rear roller for those much-desired stripes. Awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy in 2022 for small to medium lawns, clippings are collected in the large 40-litre fabric grass bag. It offers a wide choice of seven cutting heights, from 25-75mm, and is easy to fold away at the end of the day. The 40V battery is quick to charge, taking just 50 minutes, and when full, it has the capacity to cut a 400m2 lawn.

Specs: Battery: charge time - 50 mins; run time - 400sqm. Cutting: width - 37cm; height - 25-75mm. Grass box - 40 litre.

• Buy now from Amazon

Read the full Yard Force LMG37A cordless mower review

Gardena Handymower

RRP: £237.80 (+ battery and charger)

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Amazon, Tooled-Up

Pros:

• Small and light to carry and store
• Pivoting handle very easy to manoeuvre
• Easy to check battery charge
• Part of the Power For All Alliance

Cons:

• Battery and charger are purchased separately
• Cuts out if handle pushed too close to the upright position

Gardena Handymower Best Buy review - video

Reviews Editor Kay Maguire explains why the Gardena Handymower was awarded BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy status.

This great little mower was awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2022 for very small lawns. It’s light, compact and easy to manoeuvre around the lawn and is ideal for the regular cutting of small areas of grass. There’s minimal assembly needed, you just screw the handle into the body, and once the battery is charged, it’s ready to go. There are three cutting heights to choose from and rather than collecting the clippings, this mower mulches, dropping them back onto the lawn where they break down and fertilise the grass – so you don’t need to spend time emptying a grass bag and your grass gets fed. A pivoting handle helps it get into tight spots really easily, and it also copes surprisingly well with bumpy ground. While you’re mowing, the battery charge is clearly displayed on the mower. The battery and charger come separately, which does push the price up. Still, this mower is part of the Power for All Alliance, which includes Gardena, Flymo, Husqvarna and Bosch battery-powered tools and will save you money if you invest in cordless tools in the future.

Specs: Battery: run time - 20 mins. Cutting: width - 22cm; height - 30-50mm. Grass box - N/A.

• Buy now from Amazon and Tooled-Up

Read the full Garden HandyMower Li-18/22 cordless mower review.

Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li

RRP: £206.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from B&Q, Wickes, ManoMano

Pros:

• Light and simple to use
• Choice of handle heights
• Large rear wheel turns easily
• Part of the Einhell Power - X Change battery system

Cons:

• Lacks features and battery and charger purchased separately
• Handle only folds in half for storage

This simple, light, well-priced mower was awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2022 for best budget mower for ease of use. It’s simple to assemble, with a choice of handle heights to suit different users, and the handle also folds in half, helping it take up less room in storage. It moves smoothly across the lawn and manoeuvres well, and offers a choice of five cutting heights that are easily adjusted with a central lever. The 18V battery takes just 75 minutes to charge and has the capacity to cut a lawn 200 m2. The 33cm cutting width mows neatly and efficiently, tackling longer grass with ease.

Specs: Battery: charge time - 75 mins; run time - 200sqm. Cutting: width - 33cm; height - 25-65mm. Grass box - 30 litre.

Read the full Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li cordless mower review.

• Buy now from Amazon, Wickes and Toolstation

Previous Best Buy winners

We regularly test core gardening tools to ensure we keep up with new introductions and developing technologies. Our previous Best Buy winning cordless mowers, all still deserving of our award and available, are listed below:

Worx WG779E

RRP: £199.99

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from B&Q, Very, Amazon

Pros:

• Easy assembly and storage, long warranty
• Turbo and Eco modes
• Robust, light and easy to manoeuvre
• Battery and charger interchangeable with other Worx 20V tools

Cons:

• Long charge time
• One handle height

Awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy in 2020 for small lawns, our testers found this lawnmower easy to assemble and fold away for storage when not in use. It comes with a 30 litre ready-made grass bag and six cutting heights, which can be easily changed with a single lever. We were impressed with the number of features packed in for the price, and it comes with a three-year warranty.

Specs: Battery: charge time - 120 mins; run time - 35 mins. Cutting: width - 34cm; height - 20-70mm. Grass box - 30 litre.

• Buy now from Amazon

Read the full Worx WG779E cordless mower review

Stihl RMA 248

RRP: £592.00 including battery and charger

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Just Lawnmowers, Stihl

Pros:

• Steel deck
• 55-litre grass box with fill level indicator
• Seven cutting heights, from 25-75mm
• Eco-mode
• Handle folds for storage
• Battery level indicator
• Battery compatible with Stihl AK tools

Cons:

• Grass box is a bit fiddly to assemble
• Relatively long charge time (205 minutes)

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2022 for value, this mower will cut 250 m2 in a single charge but takes a relatively slow 205 minutes to charge. However, there’s a battery level indicator, which is visible during mowing so you can see how much time you have left, as well as storage for a second battery on the mower itself, although an additional battery will cost an extra £139 from Just Lawnmowers. Well-designed, it has a powder-coated steel deck, which means it’s more durable than the plastic alternatives we tested, and with a 46cm cutting width and seven cutting heights, it cuts the lawn quickly, cleanly and efficiently. Packed with features, this mower has an eco-mode to extend battery life, a generous 55-litre grass box and folding handles for easy storage. It also comes with a five-year warranty. Despite being the second most expensive mower on test, for the features and durability of the deck, we think it represents great value.

Specs: Battery: charge time - 205 mins; run time - 250sqm. Cutting: width - 46cm; height - 25-75mm. Grass box - 55 litre.

• Buy now from Just Lawnmowers

Read the full Stihl RMA 248 cordless review.

Husqvarna LC 247iX

RRP: £549 (+ battery and charger)

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Sam Turner & Sons

Pros:

• Comes assembled and folds flat for storage
• Battery power level clearly visible on the handle
• Cuts well
• App for service needs and run time
• Battery compatible with Husqvarna products

Cons:

• Heavy
• Long charge time

Our expert testers felt this was a well-designed mower with a host of great features. It has a battery level indicator on the handle, plus an Eco mode, and it even connects to an app. On the lawn, it handles well and cuts efficiently. A one-year warranty is included, and we awarded this a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy in 2020 for medium-sized lawns.

Specs: Battery: charge time - 130 mins; run time - 20 mins. Cutting: width - 47cm; height - 20-75mm. Grass box - 55 litre.

• Buy now from Sam Turner & Sons

Read the full Husqvarna LC 247iX cordless mower review

Makita DLM460PT2

RRP: £608.95

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Available from Amazon, Ray Grahams

Pros:

• Battery power level on handle
• Fast charge time
• Ten cut heights
• Adjustable handle height
• Robust steel deck

Cons:

• Heavy
• Assembly awkward for the price

The Makita model has a 46cm cutting width, the choice of ten cutting heights and a mulching option. The aluminium deck feels robust and the mower cuts well, with an optional quiet mode. The battery power level is displayed on the handle, and it charges in 45 minutes, which is faster than most of the other models we tested. It’s guaranteed for a year, and overall, we felt this was great value. We judged this model a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy in 2020 for bigger lawns.

Specs: Battery: charge time - 45 mins; run time - 800sqm. Cutting: width - 46cm; height - 20-75mm. Grass box - 60 litre.

• Buy now from Ray Grahams

Read the full Makita DLM460PT2 cordless mower review

Ego LM1701E

RRP: £529

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

Available from Amazon

Pros:

• Easy to assemble and folds for storage
• Adjustable handle height for different users
• Sturdy and easy to handle
• Clear visibility of battery power levels
• Battery and charger interchangeable with other Ego Power+ tools
• Wide range of cutting heights

Cons:

• Short run time on battery supplied

Our testers thought this was a well-thought-out lawnmower with plenty of great features. It’s simple to assemble and fold away for easy storage. The mower cuts and manoeuvres well and is a pleasure to use. There are seven cutting heights, and it has collect, mulch and rear discharge features. Although it charges quickly in 30 minutes, it has a run time of just 20 minutes. A generous five-year warranty is included and we awarded this a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy in 2020 for extra features.

Specs: Battery: charge time - 30 mins; run time - 20 mins. Cutting: width - 42cm; height - 20-80mm. Grass box - 55 litre.

• Buy now from Amazon and mowers-online

Read the full Ego LM1701E cordless mower review

Worx WG737E cordless mower

RRP: £259.99

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from Worx

Pros:

• Height of cut is very easy to change
• Cuts to the edge
• Auto cut adjusts to grass length
• Part of the Worx Powershare range

Cons:

• Long charge time
• Feels heavy to turn
• Noisy and vibrates in the hands

Simple and quick to put together, with clear diagrams showing how to attach the handles and grass box, this sturdy cordless mower is also easy to store, with a double folding handle that collapses over the body of the mower. It comes with two 20V batteries and a double charger that are part of the Worx PowerShare range, saving you money if you invest in any of their 20V, 40V or 80V tools in the future.

Although it has a long charge time of almost four hours, it has a run time of around half an hour, depending on what you’re mowing. It’s reasonably light at 15.3kg, with a carry handle to help you lift it into the shed, but it feels quite chunky to manoeuvre and turn and isn’t as smooth as some in our tests. It has a padded handle, but it does vibrate in the hand, particularly when the mower’s auto-cut increases to cut longer grass. But, it cuts well, with a cutting width of 37cm and six heights of cut from 20m – 70m to choose from, each easily adjusted with a single, smooth lever. It also has a mulching plug, so you can opt to either collect the clippings in the generous 40-litre grass bag or leave them to mulch the grass. It has grass combs, so it cuts close to the edge of walls, paths and fences.

It’s useful for medium-sized lawns, 300-550m2, is durable and well made, has a brushless motor, and comes with a five-year warranty.

The best of the rest

Although some models didn't quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.

Cordless self-propelled mowers

Stiga Collector 48 S AE Kit

RRP: £455

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from Just Lawnmowers

Pros:

• Anti-scalping feature
• Compatible with Stiga ePower 48V system
• Long warranty

Cons:

• Long 220-minute charge time
• No speed control
• No mulching option

This mower was simple to assemble, apart from the large 60L grass box, which was fiddly and requires a screwdriver. It has a long-lasting steel deck which gives a cutting width of 46cm and offers six cutting heights, from 22 to 65mm. It runs on a 48V battery, which is part of the Stiga ePower 48V System, and gives a run time of 400m². Unfortunately, it takes a lengthy 220 minutes to charge. There is space on the mower, however, for a spare battery if you have one, which is handy. It has an anti-scalping feature to help prevent you from damaging the lawn, but no speed control, so it can feel a little slow. It comes with a generous five-year warranty.

Available from Just Lawnmowers

Husqvarna LC 142iS with battery and charger

RRP: £659

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Available from Husqvarna

Pros:

• Compact and light to manoeuvre
• Energy-saving mode increases run time
• Compatible with Husqvarna 36V system

Cons:

• No mulching plug included
• No speed control
• Smaller grass bag

This mower requires assembly on arrival, and the instructions are not quite as clear as some others. However, there's a choice of two handle heights, and if you unscrew the handle, it folds flat over the mower, making storage easy. It's powered by a 36V Husqvarna system battery, and this gives enough power to mow an area of 500m². It has a 42cm cutting width, so it's best for smaller lawns, and offers a range of seven heights of cut, from 25 to 75mm, which are simple to adjust. The 50L grass bag is smaller than most in our test, and there's a carry handle for easy manoeuvring when not in use. This mower is easy to use and feels smooth and efficient when cutting; however, we would have liked a speed control option as it feels a little slow, particularly on slopes. It comes with a two-year warranty.

Available from Husqvarna

Greenworks 24V+24V lawn mower 46cm SP

RRP: £434.99

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Available from Amazon

Pros:

• Comfortable and quiet
• Long run time
• Good value for the features
• Compatible with Greenworks 24V battery system

Cons:

• Feels heavy, especially when changing the cutting height
• Slow speed control
• Fiddly to build and store

This mower took time to put together and is not as easy as some to store, as to fold the handle flat, you need to unscrew it almost completely. It also feels heavy and lacks a carry handle, making it difficult to get up steps or in and out of the shed. It has a cutting width of 46cm and offers seven cutting heights, from 25 to 80mm, which are easy to change, and a 55L collection bag. There's also the option of mulching the clippings or choosing side discharge, which is useful. It requires two Greenworks 24V system batteries, which give enough power to cover an area of 480m². It has a speed control, although this is slow, but it feels comfortable and quiet in use. It's good value for the features and comes with a three-year warranty.

Available from Amazon

Hayter Osprey 46 60V

• RRP: £715, Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Buy the Hayter Osprey 46 60V Cordless lawn mower from Hayter and Amazon.
• Read the full Hayter Osprey 46 60V review

Cobra MX3440V

• RRP: £232.99
• Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Buy the Cobra MX3440V from Just Lawnmowers

Ryobi One+ RLM18X33B40

• RRP: £219.99 (+battery and charger)
• Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Buy the Ryobi One+ RLM18X33B40 from Amazon.

Greenworks 48V 36cm

• RRP: £289.99
• Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Buy the Greenworks 48V 36cm cordless mower from Amazon and Wickes

Kärcher LMO 18-36 Battery Set

• RRP: £379.99
• Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Buy the Karcher LMO 18-36 battery set lawnmower from Kärcher
• Read the full Kärcher LMO 18-36 Battery Set cordless mower review

Mountfield Electress 30 Li Kit

• RRP: £179
• Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Buy the Mountfield 30 Li kit cordless mower from Amazon and Mowers Online
• Read the full Mountfield 30 Li Kit cordless mower review

Honda IZY-ON 416XB

• RRP: £510
• Our rating: 4.3 out of 5
• Buy the Honda IZY-ON 416XB cordless mower from Just Lawnmowers
• Read the full Honda IZY-ON 416XB cordless mower review

What are the benefits of a cordless lawn mower?

There are a variety of benefits to buying a cordless lawn mower in comparison to the more traditional petrol or electric models, including:

• Easy to manoeuvre: Without a cord, these mowers are typically easy to move around the lawn and can get to parts of the garden a cord may not reach. Without an engine, they're lightweight, and there are a wide variety of models to choose from, so you can be particular about weight, handle size, and ease of storage.
• Quiet: Powered by lithium-ion batteries, they're much quieter than petrol-engine mowers. It's worth noting that the bigger the mower, the more noise it will likely make, so if you're looking for a very quiet mower keep this in mind.
• No emissions: Cordless mowers don't use petrol, so they don't emit emissions. Being battery-powered, cordless mowers are also better for the environment, as they use electricity rather than fuel.
• Minimal maintenance: Cordless mowers don't need the typical upkeep of petrol mowers. You don't need to refill cordless mowers or worry about engine problems. They are typically easier to start up as well, requiring just a push of a button.

How to choose the best cordless lawn mower

Your budget and the size of your lawn will be pivotal in deciding which brand and model of cordless lawn mower best suits your needs. Think about the following points before you buy:

• Where are you cutting? The type of lawn you’re cutting will dictate the mower features you’ll need. Push mowers require you to provide momentum, so manoeuvrability is key, particularly if your lawn slopes or you have play equipment, beds and trees to navigate. A mower that cuts to the edge gives a neat finish and saves time with the shears or trimmer later. For a sharp, neat look opt for a low cut height, but if you lack time to mow regularly, a higher cut will tackle longer grass. A rear roller gives neat stripes, while a mulching plug lets you choose between collecting clippings or mulching them. It saves you from emptying the collection box, but mulching only works if the lawn is cut regularly.
• What’s the battery charge and run time? Lithium-ion batteries vary in size, from 18V to 40V and from 2Ah to 5Ah in our test, and this determines the cutting power and run time on a single charge. Match the run time to the size of your lawn. Most mowers have a recommended maximum lawn size or run time (although this depends on the conditions on the day) and, ideally, a fully charged battery will last long enough for you to finish the job. Some models use two batteries at the same time so you can mow for longer and most brands also sell batteries separately. Fast charge times allow you to get mowing again quicker.
• Is it easy to use? Most mowers should just need the handles attached and the grass box assembled, with fabric bags simpler to construct than plastic box-style collectors. Switching between cutting heights should be easy. Some mowers need to be turned over and the entire axle moved, but a single lever simply moved through the range is ideal.
• Is storage space limited? If you don’t have much room, check how far the handle folds down and how easily. Most can be partly unscrewed to fold over the body of the mower; others are designed to unclip and double fold completely flat or can be hung or stood up vertically. Fabric bags also collapse while plastic grass boxes are tricky to take apart. If you need to lift the mower up steps into storage or onto a shelf, check its weight and whether there are carry handles to make this easier.
• What do you get for your money? The quality of materials often relates to the price. Budget models made from lightweight plastic, as opposed to higher-end machines with metal decks, are unlikely to last long. Brushless motors are powerful, efficient and longer lasting, and buying another mower later rather than one robust model now is bad for your wallet and the environment. Warranty length can vary – some brands require the mower to be registered to get the longest warranty period and some differ between the mower, battery and charger.

How long will the batteries last?

How long the battery lasts on a single charge depends on the model, the terrain and mowing conditions on the day and some mowers have an eco or power saving mode to help extend the battery life. A battery can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over two hours to charge although lithium-ion batteries can be used when partly charged if you're in a rush. Always check the charge time, too, as these can also vary widely. Many brands have fast chargers, which are usually available separately but can cut the waiting time down considerably and are useful if you need to get back to the job quickly.
Lithium-ion batteries typically last between three and five years (or 500 charges) before they need replacing, and always check with the manufacturer if they will take back their batteries for recycling rather than putting them into landfill.

How does the weather affect your lawn’s growth rate?

Different weather conditions will speed, slow or even stop grass growth, and therefore how often you need to mow. Find out how it works here

Hot, dry weather
During hot and dry spells, in which the daytime temperature is consistently at 25°C or above, grass growth tends to slow down significantly. The lack of moisture and high temperatures dry out the soil, making it difficult for grass to absorb the water it needs. Lawns may turn brown and become dormant, conserving energy until conditions improve. Don’t worry, though. The roots will still be perfectly healthy and will put on strong growth as soon as the rain comes back and temperatures decline. Mowing is required less often during these periods; you may find that this period of time extends to several weeks.

Warm, wet weather
When the weather is warm and wet, with daytime temperatures around 18 to 24°C, grass can grow very quickly. Warm temperatures combined with regular rainfall create ideal conditions for rapid growth. Lawns often need to be mown more frequently, sometimes as often as twice a week, to keep them looking neat and healthy. Don’t try to cut more off each time with infrequent mowings – this will stress the machine and your lawn, and lead to clumpier, patchier growth.

Dry, cold weather
In dry, cold conditions, with daytime temperatures lower than 8 °C, grass growth slows dramatically. Low temperatures put grass into a state of dormancy, and the lack of rain means the soil is often too dry to support new growth. Lawns will require little to no mowing during these periods.

Wet, cold weather
Wet, cold weather also slows grass growth. While the soil remains moist, low temperatures prevent the grass from actively growing. The ground may become waterlogged, making mowing difficult and risking damage to the lawn and your mower. If you do need to mow during a period such as this, wait until a dry afternoon when the grass is dry enough to be cut and collected without clogging up the mower.

Top tips for mowing your lawn

1. Mow when it’s dry. If you mow when the ground is sodden it can lead to compaction, the mower will smear and rut the soil and wet grass clippings will clump and smother your lawn
2. Remove any obstacles. Make sure furniture is moved off the lawn to make it easier to mow, and check for any items in the lawn that could damage the blades
3. Adjust the cutting height of your mower and aim to only reduce the lawn height one third every time you mow.
4. Start around the edge so you can clearly see how much lawn needs mowing. Then mow up and down in straight lines, overlapping slightly, to achieve a neat finish
5. Empty the clippings bag regularly so material doesn’t build up around the mower blades. You can compost them or deposit them in small piles around the garden, such as at the back of borders, to help earthworms. To compost your grass clippings, see our review of the best compost bins
6. For a neat finish, re-cut your lawn edges each spring with a half-moon tool and trim overhanging grass after mowing with edging shears. To keep edges looking neat, browse our pick of the best strimmers, garden shears, and lawn edging.

If your lawn needs a bit more attention, our experts have tested a range of the best manual and powered aerators and scarifiers. And if you're thinking about somewhere to store your new mower, our comprehensive guide to choosing the best garden shed will be helpful.

This review was last updated in July 2025. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.