Looking out at a lush green lawn is one of life's simple pleasures. But cutting all that grass may not be. A lawn mower or tractor you can depend on to get the job done right is key. Every year, Consumer Reports cuts acres of grass to test both to see which models are top performers.
Interestingly, if you bought a new home in the past few years, keeping your lawn nice and neat may be easier. Contractors are building on smaller lot sizes than they did a decade ago, so lawns are also fairly small. The median lawn size in the U.S. is at an all-time low of less than one-fifth acre, a 2020 U.S. Census Bureau report says. Six in 10 new homes are built on lots that are a quarter acre or smaller.
Mower manufacturers have taken note. In recent years they've introduced numerous new models of battery-powered mowers, which are well-suited for small yards. Many of these machines perform as well as their gas brethren and are also more eco-friendly because they run on electricity. They're also not as noisy, which can be important when you're living close to your neighbor.
But whether you have a tiny patch of grass or acres of lawn, you’ll need a capable mower. Consumer Reports tests all types of mowers for mulching, side discharge, bagging, ease of use, and maneuverability. We also evaluate features that save you time and effort.
Our tests show that you don’t have to pay top dollar to get a great mower or tractor. Some models cost hundreds—even thousands—of dollars less than our top-scoring machines, yet they perform almost as well. But our tests also show that paying just a little more can often buy a lot more mower, especially at the lower end of the price spectrum.
How CR Tests Lawn Mowers & Tractors
To get you ratings and reviews of the latest models by early spring, our testers travel to Florida to conduct tests in late winter at grounds we specially prepare each year. We plant 1,800 pounds of grass seed (predominantly annual rye, prized for its dense growth). We cut 500,000 square feet of grass in three modes—mulching, side-discharging, and bagging a total of 3,000 pounds of clippings. We mow both level turf and slopes to get a feel for each and every model. We also review the convenience features on every model we assess.
The Overall Score for each model in CR's mower ratings incorporates all that performance data, along with predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings from our latest member surveys. The surveys leverage data on more than 78,000 lawn mowers and tractors that members purchased between 2010 and 2020.
Types of Lawn Mowers & Tractors
Your options for the best walk-behind or riding lawn mower range from $170 gas push models to lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers that can cost upward of $4,000.
If you're worried about noise, know that our tests show gas mowers are much noisier than their battery-powered counterparts. Nearly all the gas-powered machines we tested emitted more than 85 decibels at the user's ear, and only a few were somewhat quieter. For all, we recommend hearing protection.
Battery Lawn Mowers
No longer second-class citizens, the best battery-powered electric mowers cut grass just as well as their gas counterparts. Battery mowers utilize rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs and are available in both push and self-propelled varieties. They are much easier to store and maintain than gas mowers, but their relatively short battery run times make them better suited to smaller yards. Our run times with battery mowers were generally 30 to 45 minutes, regardless of the capacity of the battery. However, battery technology continues to improve, and some of the best performers can provide 60 minutes or more of run time.
Pros: Most battery mowers cut a 20- or 21-inch swath, and their batteries are interchangeable with other outdoor power tools from the same brand. They also start with push-button ease, produce no exhaust emissions, and run more quietly than gas models. They don’t require oil changes or frequent tuneups.
Cons: They have a limited run time—usually enough to cut 1⁄3 acre. Battery-powered self-propelled models use up to 20 percent of the battery charge to power the wheels, so you won’t be able to cut as much grass unless you buy larger or additional batteries. And they’re pricier than gas models, though you’ll recoup that cost over time.
Upkeep: Battery mowers require little upkeep beyond blade sharpening.
Best for: Yards of ⅓ acre or less.
Gas Lawn Mowers
Tried-and-true gas-fueled mowers aren’t limited by rechargeable batteries and can cut much larger yards in one go. They come in both push and self-propelled varieties and usually cost less than their electric counterparts, though you might spend more in the long run on fuel and maintenance.
Pros: Most gas mowers cut a 21- or 22-inch swath, can handle long or thick grass and weeds, and can bag, side-discharge, and mulch clippings. They also cost less and run much longer than their battery-powered counterparts.
Cons: Gas mowers are noisy (use ear protection), produce emissions, and require more frequent maintenance.
Upkeep: Gas mowers require regular tuneups, oil changes, and blade sharpening.
Best for: Yards from ¼ to ½ acre.
Lawn Tractors
These gas-powered machines can cut two to three times faster than simple push mowers, making them best suited for larger lawns. Models with hydrostatic transmissions are easier to use and provide smooth operation.
Pros: Most models mow a 42- to 48-inch swath (though wide-deck models cut 54 inches or more in a single pass) and can bag, mulch, and side-discharge clippings. Steering them is easy and familiar because they use a wheel, just like a car. The best models have comfy, high-backed seats and make it easy to engage the blades and adjust your cutting height.
Cons: Bagging kits cost extra and tend to be expensive—a major reason the majority of tractor owners mow in side-discharge mode. And even today’s cleaner machines create exhaust emissions and require lots of storage space. And tractors have a wider turning radius and lower top speed than zero-turn mowers.
Upkeep: Gas mowers require regular tuneups, oil changes, and blade sharpening.
Best for: Yards larger than ½ acre.
Zero-Turn Mowers
Think of these like souped-up tractors. Rather than a wheel, you control a zero-turn with a pair of levers—pushing one forward and the other rearward causes the mower to turn in place. They also have nimble handling and higher top speeds than tractors.
Pros: These are similar to the mowers landscapers use, with a rear engine and rear-wheel steering. They're easy to maneuver around obstacles, such as trees and flower beds. Some new models have steering wheels. They can side-discharge, bag, and mulch clippings, and typically mow a 42- to 50-inch swath. Their nimble handling and high top speed make it easy to get across your property quickly. Typically, zero-turn mowers are gas-powered, but a few battery-powered, zero-turn mowers have entered the marketplace in recent years.
Cons: Zero-turn mowers cost more than most tractors, and not all of them cut as well as tractors. Rear steering wheels can tear up grass during turns. They're not well-suited for hilly properties because they can lose traction and be hard to control on slopes. Their lever controls also require practice. And though they offer a higher top speed, that won't necessarily save you time—you'll still want to go 3½ to 4 mph to get an even mow. Bagging kits can be pricey, and because a much smaller fraction of users opt for that option, we no longer test a zero-turn mower's bagging performance.
Upkeep: Gas engines require tuneups and oil changes. Electrics need at least blade sharpening.
Best for: Yards larger than 1⁄2 acre without too many hills.
Rear-Engine Riders
Bridging the gap between walk-behind mowers and tractors, rear-engine riders are typically cheaper than tractors but don’t cut as well—or as quickly, because they have narrower decks, typically around 30 inches wide.
Pros: Many of the usual lawn-tractor behemoths require more storage space than you might have, but this type of rider is more compact. It’s also cheaper: Some start at $1,300, a few hundred dollars more than most of the best self-propelled mowers.
Cons: Even the top-scoring models won’t cut as well as some of the lowest-scoring tractors in our ratings. They also usually cut in 30-inch-wide swaths, more than a walk-behind mower, for sure, but far less than the 4 feet many lawn tractors will mow. Many have a jerky gear drive rather than the smooth hydrostatic drive on most tractors. We also found that those in our tests weren’t great at fully filling a bag. You also might not get higher-end features such as a high-back seat or cruise control.
Upkeep: Gas engines require regular tuneups and oil changes. Electrics need the blades sharpened annually.
Best for: Yards from ½ to 1 acre.
What to Consider Before You Buy
Lawn Mowers:
Push vs. self-propelled. Push mowers tend to be more affordable. Self-propelled models draw energy from the engine (or motor on electric models) to power the wheels, which makes them easier to maneuver if you have a larger lawn or live on a sloped lot. All-wheel drive offers the best traction on slopes, followed by rear-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive, which is standard on most models, is still well-suited for flat parcels though is not the best choice if you bag clippings. As the bag fills, it can cause the front wheels to lose some traction.
Yard size. Consider the size of your yard to find the perfect walk-behind mower. Gas self-propelled mowers will be best for larger yards, and push mowers (electric or gas) are better for smaller yards. Check out our guide to finding the right mower for your yard size.
Washout port. You should clean the underside of your mower after each cut. When it’s time to do so, a washout port makes it easier: It accepts a hose connection for clearing clippings beneath the mower deck without the need to tip the machine.
Electric start. On gas models, this feature lets you start the engine with push-button ease, rather than yanking a pull cord. All electric mowers start this way.
Folding handle. Models with a folding or collapsing handle require less space to store.
Upright storage. Almost all electrics can be stored vertically in a cramped garage. Some gas models have special engine seals that allow for upright storage, too, without the risk of oil or gas leaking out.
Uniform wheels. Some mowers boast larger rear wheels. Skip them. In our tests, mowers with uniform wheels are easiest to maneuver.
Interchangeable battery. Some power tool manufacturers are making string trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and even snow blowers that can all accept the same battery that powers their lawn mowers. That can save you money if you can buy the second tool without a battery. Check for battery mower brands that offer this interchangeability—and sell other highly rated, battery-compatible power tools.
Riding Mowers:
Landscape needs. Get a riding mower or tractor that best matches the size and slope of your property. And if your yard resembles an agility training obstacle course, you might want to consider a zero-turn mower; that type is favored by professionals.
Hour meter. This indicates how long the engine has run and can help track when it's time for an oil change or other maintenance. A few models can link to a smartphone app via Bluetooth, to keep track of maintenance and order parts.
Ability to check fuel. A tractor with a cutout that allows you to see your fuel level—preferably from the seat—is ideal.
High-back seat and cup holder. The first is more supportive and comfortable than a conventional seat, and the second is for when you’re sweltering in the hot sun—you’ll appreciate it.
Cruise control. As with a car, cruise control lets you lock in a ground speed with a riding mower.
Features We Favor on Lawn Mowers & Tractors
Depending on how much you want to spend, there’s a wide selection of mower features and options available. Don’t load up on any you won’t use—it’s best to cut costs as well as the grass.
Walk-Behind Mowers: Uniform Wheel Sizes
Some mowers have rear wheels that are larger than the front wheels. Gas models with same-sized front and rear wheels tend to be easier to maneuver and tip back for U-turns at the end of a row.
Walk-Behind Mowers: Blade-Brake Clutch
When you release the handlebar, the clutch stops the blade but not the engine so that you don't have to restart the engine to empty a full bag of clippings or to move a toy or branch.
Walk-Behind Mowers: Electric Start
Available on some gas models, electric start eliminates the inconvenience of pull-starting the engine. (Electric mowers, of course, inherently start this way.) Most models with electric starts require external charging.
Walk-Behind Mowers: One-Lever Height Adjustment
Some self-propelled mowers have this feature, which lets you raise or lower the entire mowing deck at once. Most others require adjusting each of the four wheels individually.
Riding Mowers: Hydrostatic Transmission
Tractors with hydrostatic transmission can vary their ground speed quickly and smoothly without the need to move any additional controls. Most are now controlled with a pedal rather than a lever.
Riding Mowers: Electric Power Takeoff Switch
For tractors, this switch lets you engage the blades without pulling a lever, a feature that is a bit more convenient and can extend belt life.
Riding Mowers: Safety Switch for Reverse
Cutting in reverse can pose a hazard to others in the area. Mowers with a safety switch for reverse require the user to intentionally press a button or turn a key to allow that function.
Riding Mowers: Tight Turning
Four-wheel steering lets tractors turn almost as tightly as zero-turn-radius riders. Just know that more two-wheel-steering tractor models can turn more tightly than earlier models but still not as tightly as four-wheel or zero-turn-radius riders.