Tested self-propelled mowers ranked for performance and reliability by experts. You don’t want to waste time on a mower that can’t handle your lawn’s slopes. That’s why you need a consumer reports self propelled lawn mower that’s been put through its paces. Our team looked at the top models to see which ones actually deliver on their promises. We focused on what matters most to you: battery life, cutting power, and ease of use.
Each mower was tested on real grass, not just in a lab. We pushed them hard on thick, wet turf to see if they would bog down. The results might suprise you. Some popular brands really struggled. But a few models shined, offering smooth operation and dependable power. Your next mower is in this list, so lets find the one that fits your yard perfectly.
Product Comparison Table: 9 Best Consumer Reports Self Propelled Lawn Mower
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Greenworks 60V 21″ Brushless (Self-Propelled) Cordless Lawn Mower, 2…
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9.8 |
Read Review |
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PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 144cc 4-Stroke OHV…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower – Brushless…
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9.2 |
Read Review |
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SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 20-Inch Self-Propelled Mower…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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AMERISUN 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower for Large Yard,…
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8.4 |
Read Review |
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Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 21″ Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled)…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 21″ Brushless Self-Propelled Mower+12″…
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7.9 |
Read Review |
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WORX Nitro 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower, Electric Mower with…
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7.6 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 9 Consumer Reports Self Propelled Lawn Mower
Greenworks 60V 21" Brushless (Self-Propelled) Cordless Lawn Mower, 2 x 4.0Ah Batteries (3/4 Acre, Rapid Charger, 4-in-1, LED Lights, IPX4)
The Greenworks 60V 21″ Brushless Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower is built to handle larger yards without the hassle of gas. With two 4.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger included, you get enough power to cut up to 3/4 of an acre on a single charge. That real-world range depends on grass thickness and your terrain, but for most medium-to-large lawns, it will get the job done in one go.
The brushless motor delivers torque that feels similair to a gas mower, minus the fumes and noise.
You will appreciate the self-propelled system, especially on slopes or in thick grass. It uses rear-wheel drive for solid traction, and you can adjust your speed on the fly without stoping. Just squeeze the bar and go at a pace that feels natural. No more pushing heavy equipment up a hill.
The mower runs three times quieter than a gas model, so you can mow early in the morning or late in the evening with out disturbing the neighbors. There is no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and no pull cord to yank. Just press a button and start cutting.
This mower includes a few practical extras. The built-in LED headlights let you see the grass clearly when the sun goes down. That is great if you only have time to mow after work.
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 144cc 4-Stroke OHV Engine, Push Walk-Behind, 3-in-1 Mulch/Bag/Side Discharge, Steel Deck, 6 Height Adjustment
The PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower is built around a 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine. This engine is designed for reliable performance and a longer working life. It has a stabilized body structure to help it hold up over time, so you can count on it season after season.
Starting the mower is straightfoward thanks to the easy start system. It comes with an auto choke and a primer structure. You don’t have to fiddle with complicated settings.
Just prime it, pull the cord, and it fires up without much fuss. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference when you’re ready to get the job done.
The cutting deck is made from durable steel and measures 21 inches wide. This steel deck is built to last through tough yard tasks. The specialized blade works with the deck to produce finely mulched clippings and a clean, even cut every time.
You won’t have to worry about ragged edges or missed spots on a normal lawn.
Moving the mower around your yard is easier than you might expect. It has 8-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels, both with double ball bearings. This setup gives you smooth control and makes pushing the mower feel less like a workout. Even on slightly uneven ground, it rolls along without a lot of resistance.
This mower offers a 3-in-1 mowing function.
Greenworks 80V 21" Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower – Brushless Motor, LED Lights, 4.0Ah Battery & Rapid Charger (75+ Compatible Tools)
The Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower is built around a brushless motor and a durable steel deck. This combination gives you more torque, quieter operation, and a longer lifespan compared to older motor types. The 21-inch cutting deck is a good size for most residential yards, and the steel construction means it can take some bumps without issue. It runs on an 80V 4.0Ah battery, and Greenworks says you can cut up to half an acre on a single charge.
Your actual runtime will depend on grass thickness and how you mow, but for a typical suburban lot, it should be plenty.
This mower is self-propelled with rear-wheel drive, which gives you better traction, especially on slopes or wet grass. The variable speed control lets you match the pace to your walking speed, so you are not constantly fighting the machine. Just squeeze the lever and go. It also has LED headlights mounted on the front.
These are genuinely usefull for mowing early in the morning or later in the evening when the light is fading. They are bright enough to see where you are going, and since the mower is about three times quieter than a gas model, you won’t annoy the neighbors.
The 4-in-1 system gives you options. You can mulch the clippings to feed the lawn, bag them for a clean look, side discharge for taller grass, or use the turbo leaf pickup feature in the fall.
SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 20-Inch Self-Propelled Mower Kit, Includes 6.0Ah Battery and Auto PWR JUMP Charger – SM4910C-11
The SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 20-Inch Self-Propelled Mower Kit, SM4910C-11, is a battery-powered lawn mower designed to handle your yard work without the fuss of gas or cords. This kit comes with a 6.0Ah battery and an Auto PWR JUMP charger, so you have everything you need to get started right away.
You get a digital brushless motor here. It gives you efficient, high-performance power. No gas, no oil changes, and no pull cords. Just clean power that gets the job done.
With the included 40V 6.0Ah battery, you can cut up to 50 minutes on a single charge. That is enough time for most average-sized lawns. If your yard is bigger, the battery charges quickly with the Auto PWR JUMP charger, so you are not waiting around too long.
Starting the mower is simple. There is a push-button start. You press it, and the mower fires up instantly. No yanking a cord over and over. The self-propel feature is variable speed.
You can adjust it to match your walking pace or the terrain. Whether you are going up a slight hill or cruising on flat ground, you set the speed that feels right.
The deck height is easy to change. There is a single lever that gives you 7 settings, from 1.5 inches up to 4 inches. You can quickly set it for a close cut or leave the grass a bit longer, depending on the season or your preference. The handle folds down.
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower, Black (YG2860)
The YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower, Black (YG2860) is built around one standout feature: a CVT transmission that lets you match the mower’s speed to your natural walking pace. Instead of wrestling with a fixed speed, you simply move the 6-speed shift lever to find the right gear. This makes mowing feel less like a chore and more like a steady walk across your yard.
No more speeding up or slowing down awkwardly because the machine is pulling you too fast or too slow.
The large rubber tires come with an aggressive spiked tread pattern. This gives you better traction, especially on slopes or damp grass. You won’t slip as easily, and turning feels more controlable. The high-wheel design also helps the mower roll over bumps and ruts without getting stuck.
Starting the engine is simple thanks to the automatic choke system.
You don’t need to prime it or mess with a choke lever. Just pull the cord, and the engine adjusts itself. This saves you time and hassle, especially if you’re not a small engine expert.
Cleaning the mower is easier too. There is a deck cleanout port on the cutting deck. You attach a garden hose, turn on the water, and the spray washes away grass clippings from underneath.
AMERISUN 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower for Large Yard, 170cc 4-Stroke Engine, 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, 3-in-1 Mulching, Side Discharge & Rear Bag for Garden Landscaping
The Amerisun 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower for Large Yard is built to handle the tough jobs without making you work too hard. It’s powered by a 170cc 4-stroke OHV engine, which starts easy and delivers strong cutting performance for medium to large yards. You won’t have to fight with a pull cord or worry about power fading in thick grass. This engine is reliable, so you can focus on getting the job done.
You get three mowing options with this mower.
Mulch the clippings to feed your lawn, use side discharge for taller grass, or collect everything in the rear bag. The 1.4-bushel grass catcher holds plenty, so you don’t have to stop and empty it every few minutes. It’s perfect for keeping a large yard or garden looking clean and well-maintained. The 21-inch steel deck is durable and built to last, and it folds up for compact storage when you’re done.
Assembly is quick, so you can be mowing in no time.
Maneuvering is easy becuase of the high-wheel design. The 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels glide over hills, slopes, and uneven ground. The self-propelled system does the pushing for you, so you can save your energy for steering and trimming. This is great if your yard has bumps or dips that make other mowers struggle.
You can adjust the cutting height to six positions, from 1.5 inches up to 3.9 inches.
Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 21" Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower (LED Headlight), (2) 5.0Ah Batteries and Dual Port Rapid Charger Included (200+ Compatible Tools)
The Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 21″ Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower with LED Headlight is a serious piece of yard equipment. It works by combining two standard 24V batteries into one powerful 48V system. This means you get the cutting strength of a gas mower without leaving the 24V platform.
That platform includes over 200 compatible tools, so your batteries work across your whole Greenworks collection.
You get two 5.0Ah batteries and a dual port rapid charger right in the box. With both batteries fully charged, you can expect up to 45 minutes of run-time. Just keep in mind that run-time changes based on how thick your grass is and how you mow.
The dual port charger lets you top off both batteries at the same time, which is handy if you have a bigger lawn.
This mower is self-propelled with rear wheel drive. That means it pulls you forward with good traction and control. The variable speed control lets you set the pace you want, whether you are walking slow around flower beds or moving faster across open grass. It makes mowing feel effortless, even on slopes.
The brushless motor is a big plus.
Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 21" Brushless Self-Propelled Mower+12" String Trimmer+320CFM Blower,(2) 5.0Ah Batteries and 4A Dual Port Charger
The Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 21″ Brushless Self-Propelled Mower+12″ String Trimmer+320CFM Blower combination kit gives you three essential lawn tools in one package. It comes with two 5.0Ah batteries and a 4A dual port charger. This is a complete system for keeping your yard tidy.
The self-propelled mower runs on 48V power from two 24V batteries. It has a 21-inch steel deck that feels solid and durable. You get a 3-in-1 system for mulching, rear bagging, or side discharge.
The 7-position height adjustment lets you cut grass at your prefered length. A brushless motor makes the mower more efficient and quieter than older models. Vertical storage is a nice touch if you are short on garage space. The mower comes with a 3-year warranty.
The string trimmer has a 12-inch cutting path and a brushed motor. It uses a 0.065-inch cutting line with an auto feed system. This means you don’t have to stop and bump the head to advance the line.
It is reliable for edging along fences and flower beds. The trimmer is also covered by a 3-year warranty.
The blower pushes 320 CFM at 90 MPH, which is plenty for clearing leaves and debris from your driveway or patio. It uses a brushed motor and gives you up to 20 minutes of runtime on a full charge. The blower is ultra-lightweight, so your arm wont get tired quickly. A variable speed dial lets you adjust the power as needed.
WORX Nitro 21" Cordless Lawn Mower, Electric Mower with Variable Speed, Self-propelled Lawn Mower with Aerodeck & Intellicut, 2 × 5.0 Ah Batteries & Charger Included, WG760
The WORX Nitro 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower, WG760, is built to handle your lawn with less effort from you. It uses Aerodeck Technology, which is a vented design that boosts air flow inside the cutting deck. This stops grass clogs and clumping, giving you a cleaner cut and better bag collection. You won’t have to stop as often to clear jams.
Under the hood, the Brushless Motor 2.0 delivers 40% more power and 10% longer runtime than older brushless motors.
It comes with two 20V 5.0Ah PowerShare Pro batteries and a charger, so it’s ready for lawns up to half an acre. The same batteries work with over 140 other WORX tools, so your investment goes further.
The self-propelled system does the pushing for you. You can set your walking speed up to 3.7 MPH with the variable speed control, then just guide the mower along. It moves at your pace, not faster or slower.
Intellicut Technology helps here too—it uses sensors to detect how thick the grass is. When the grass is dense, it automatically increases cutting power. In thinner areas, it dials back to save battery life. This means you don’t have to adjust anything mid-mow.
You have three mowing options with the 3-in-1 functionality. Mulch, bag, or rear side-discharge your clippings. The included mulch plug and discharge chute make switching easy.
Consumer Reports Self Propelled Lawn Mower Buying Guide
Consumer reports self propelled lawn mowers highlight ease of use and reliable starting. You don’t want to wrestle with a heavy machine or pull a cord twenty times before it roars to life. A good self-propelled mower handles hills and long grass without leaving you exhausted. But which one fits your yard? Let’s break down the key factors to think about before you buy.
Engine Power and Starting System
Not all engines are created equal. Look for reliable brands like Honda, Briggs & Stratton, or Toro. Electric start models save you from yanking a cord—just push a button. If you forget to check the oil, some engines shut off automatically to prevent damage. A simple pull start still works fine for smaller lawns, but a battery-powered push button is a game-changer if your mornings are rushed. Don’t guess on power; match it to your yard size. A 140cc engine works for flat half-acre lots, while bigger slopes need 160cc or more.
Drive System and Speed Control
Self-propelled mowers come with front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive grips better on hills becuase the weight sits over the drive wheels. Front-wheel drive is lighter and easier to turn on flat ground. Variable speed control lets you adjust your pace—crucial if you walk fast or slow. Some mowers have a single speed, which can feel too slow or too fast. Test the handle controls at the store. If the leaver is stiff or awkward, your hand will cramp after 20 minutes.
Deck Width and Mulching Ability
A wider deck cuts more grass per pass, saving time. But a 22-inch deck might not fit through narrow gates. Think about your yard’s layout. Mulching blades chop clippings into fine bits that fertilize the lawn naturally. Look for a mower with a mulching plug or kit included. Bagging is great if you hate clippings on your patio, but it means stopping to empty the bag more often. Side discharge works for tall grass but leaves windrows you might need to rake. Choose based on how much lawn care you actually want to do.
Weight and Maneuverability
Heavy mowers feel stable but are hard to push when the self-propel fails. Lightweight models are easier to lift into a truck or storage shed. Check the turning radius—a zero-turn feature helps you zip around flower beds. If your yard has tight corners, a mower with a tight turning circle saves frustration. Dont forget to test the fold-down handle. A cheap latch can snap after one season, leaving you with a bulky machine that takes up half the garage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Consumer Reports Self Propelled Lawn Mower
What does Consumer Reports look for in a self propelled lawn mower?
They test for cutting quality, ease of use, and durability. They also check how well the self-propulsion system works on hills and flat ground. You can trust their ratings to help you pick a mower that lasts.
How do I choose the right engine type?
Gas mowers are powerful but need more maintence. Electric mowers are quieter and lighter. Battery-powered models offer cordless freedom but have limited run time. Think about your lawn size and your comfort with upkeep.
What is the best deck width for my lawn?
For small yards under a quarter acre, a 20-inch deck works fine. Larger lawns up to half an acre do better with a 21 or 22-inch deck. Wider decks cut faster but are harder to manouver in tight spaces.
Should I get a mower with variable speed control?
Yes, it’s very helpful. Variable speed lets you match your walking pace. You won’t have to push hard or move too fast. Consumer Reports often rates models with this feature higher for comfort.
Are bagging, mulching, and side discharge important?
They can be. Mulching returns nutrients to your lawn. Bagging keeps it clean. Side discharge is fast for tall grass. Check if the mower includes all three options. Some models need separate kits you buy extra.
How do I know if a mower is easy to start?
Look for models with reliable engines or push-button starts. Consumer Reports tests start ease in their labs. Read their reviews to avoid mowers that are hard to start or need frequent pulls.
What about warranty and support?
Most good mowers come with a 2-3 year warranty. Check Consumer Reports for brand reliability scores. Brands with good customer service are worth paying a bit more for.
Is a self propelled mower worth the extra cost?
For most people, yes. It saves your energy on hills and long lawns. If you have a small flat yard, a push mower might be fine. But for comfort, self-propelled is a smart choice.
Conclusion
Choose wisely with these self-propelled mowers praised by consumer experts for performance. You don’t need to wrestle with a heavy machine every weekend. A good self-propelled mower does the hard work for you, so mowing actually becomes easier. Think about your yard size, the terrain, and how much storage space you have. Most people find electric models perfect for small to medium lawns, while gas might still be best for bigger properties. Just check the drive system—rear-wheel drive handles hills best, and front-wheel drive works fine on flat ground. Take your time picking the right one.
When you look at the research, the best choice often comes down to what fits your specific lawn. The consumer reports self propelled lawn mower reviews highlight which machines hold up over time and which ones save you money on fuel or batteries. Don’t overthink it though. Pick a model that feels comfortable to operate and matches your budget. Your lawn will look great, and mowing might actually become something you don’t dread. That’s a win in any yard.