Top Brushless Lawn Mowers for Every Yard Size
The EGO Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower is the top pick for most homeowners, offering strong cutting performance, long runtime, and easy handling. Its main limitation is the premium price, but owners report that the build quality and battery life justify the cost.
Brushless motors are the new standard in cordless mowers, delivering more torque and longer life than brushed versions. They run cooler, quieter, and use battery power more efficiently.
This roundup covers the best brushless models from EGO, Greenworks, Ryobi, Milwaukee, Toro, and Craftsman. We focused on real-world specs and owner feedback to help you choose.
Our top picks
EGO Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
This self-propelled mower features a 56-volt ARC lithium battery and a brushless motor that delivers up to 60 minutes of runtime. It offers variable speed control and a 5-position cutting height adjustment.
Pros
- Excellent cutting power and lift
- Long runtime with fast charging
- Comfortable handle and easy fold
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Heavier than some competitors
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Brushless Mower
A lightweight and affordable option for small yards. The 40V motor provides enough power for regular cutting, and the 16-inch deck is nimble for tight spaces.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Includes battery and charger
Cons
- Small deck for larger lawns
- Not self-propelled
Ryobi 21-Inch Brushless Self-Propelled Mower
Powered by two 40V batteries, this mower offers extended runtime and a wide 21-inch cutting deck. It features a brushless motor that provides high torque for thick grass.
Pros
- Great runtime with two batteries
- Powerful for thick grass
- Large deck reduces mowing time
Cons
- Heavy at 65 pounds
- Batteries take time to charge
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
Built with a high-output brushless motor, this mower delivers commercial-grade performance. It uses two M18 batteries and offers a 21-inch cutting width plus a metal deck.
Pros
- Heavy-duty metal deck
- Excellent power and build quality
- Compatible with Milwaukee ecosystem
Cons
- Very expensive
- No battery included
Toro 60V Max 21-Inch Recycler Mower
Toro’s Recycler cutting system finely chops grass clippings for nutrient-rich mulch. The 60V brushless motor provides consistent power, and the Personal Pace self-drive adapts to your walking speed.
Pros
- Superior mulching quality
- Smooth variable speed control
- Leaf shredding capability
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Taller grass may require slower pace
Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Brushless Mower
This mower offers a 21-inch cutting width and a 60V brushless motor at a mid-range price. It comes with two batteries and a charger, giving you extended runtime out of the box.
Pros
- Two batteries included
- Powerful and efficient
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Slightly heavier than others
- Plastic deck may not be as durable
Craftsman 21-Inch Brushless Mower
The Craftsman offers a compact design with a 21-inch deck and a 40V brushless motor. It folds easily for storage and is simple to operate with a single-lever height adjustment.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Simple controls
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Not self-propelled
- Runtime may be short for larger areas
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Cutting width | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EGO Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower | 21 inches | Best overall | 9.6 | Check price |
| 2 | Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Brushless Mower | 16 inches | Best budget pick | 8.8 | Check price |
| 3 | Ryobi 21-Inch Brushless Self-Propelled Mower | 21 inches | Best for large lawns | 9.1 | Check price |
| 4 | Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower | 21 inches | Best for professionals | 9.3 | Check price |
| 5 | Toro 60V Max 21-Inch Recycler Mower | 21 inches | Best mulching performance | 9.2 | Check price |
| 6 | Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Brushless Mower | 21 inches | Best value for features | 9.0 | Check price |
| 7 | Craftsman 21-Inch Brushless Mower | 21 inches | Best for small to medium yards | 8.5 | Check price |
What matters most
Motor Power and Torque Brushless motors provide more torque and efficiency than brushed types. Look for higher voltage (40V, 60V) for thicker grass. Torque is essential for preventing stalls in dense vegetation.
Battery Runtime and Charging Consider the battery capacity and how long it takes to charge. Many mowers use two batteries for extended runtime. Check if the battery is interchangeable with other tools in the brand’s lineup.
Cutting Deck and Height Adjustments A wider deck covers more ground per pass. Height adjustments allow you to adapt to seasonal grass growth. Look for easy-to-reach levers or a single-point adjustment system.
Self-Propulsion and Maneuverability Self-propelled mowers ease the effort on slopes and large lawns. Variable speed control lets you match your walking pace. Weight and wheel size affect maneuverability in tight spots.
Common questions
Are brushless lawn mowers worth the extra cost?
Brushless motors last longer and run more efficiently than brushed motors. They provide better torque and often come with longer warranties. Over time, the efficiency can save on battery costs.
How long do brushless mower batteries last per charge?
Runtime varies by model and battery size. Typical times range from 30 to 60 minutes per charge. Larger batteries or dual-battery systems extend runtime up to 70 minutes.
Can I use the same battery for other tools?
Many brands share batteries across their 40V, 60V, or 56V platforms. For example, EGO 56V batteries work with all EGO tools. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility list.
Do brushless mowers require less maintenance than gas mowers?
Yes, they have fewer moving parts, no oil changes, no spark plugs, and no air filters. Just clean the deck and keep the blades sharp.
What is the difference between brushed and brushless motors?
Brushed motors use carbon brushes that wear out and create friction. Brushless motors use electronic commutation, which reduces heat and increases efficiency, torque, and lifespan.
How long do brushless motors last?
Brushless motors can last thousands of hours. Many manufacturers offer warranties of 3 to 5 years on the motor, indicating confidence in their durability.
Can brushless mowers handle thick or wet grass?
Yes, brushless motors provide high torque, which helps cut through thick grass. However, wet grass can clog the deck, so it’s best to mow when the grass is dry.
Are brushless mowers quieter than gas mowers?
Yes, they are significantly quieter. Gas mowers can reach 95 decibels, while brushless electric mowers typically operate around 70 to 80 decibels.
Do I need a special battery charger?
Most cordless mowers come with a compatible charger. Some brands offer fast chargers that reduce charging time. Always use the recommended charger for your battery type.
What safety features should I look for?
Look for a blade brake that stops the blade quickly, a safety key to prevent accidental starts, and a foldable handle for safe storage. Some models have a start button that requires two-step activation.
Final word
For the best balance of performance and reliability, the EGO Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower stands out as the top choice. Its powerful brushless motor, long runtime, and excellent build quality make it ideal for most homeowners. If budget is a primary concern, the Greenworks 40V offers solid performance at a lower cost. For those with large properties, the Ryobi 21-Inch with dual batteries delivers extended runtime. Choose the EGO if you want a premium mower that will last for years.
Sierra Daniels
Sierra's background is in landscape design and nursery retail. She focuses on lawn and garden equipment, outdoor furniture and gear durability, weighing published specs against how materials actually hold up outside.
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