Mini battery lawn mower. 8 Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers of 2023 Reviews

Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers of 2023 [Reviews]

Batteries are the future of motor power in lawn mowers. Battery-powered lawn mowers are more convenient and versatile than plug-in varieties. Untethered by an extension cord, battery-powered mowers offer freedom of movement without sacrificing power.

But what are the best battery-powered lawn mowers on the market? We shortened your shopping list (we hope) by comparing battery-powered lawn mowers on power, cutting width, weight, customer reviews, and price to spotlight 8 champs (overall and in various categories).

Battery-powered walk-behind mowers cost anywhere from 80 to 700. (Riding mowers can cost considerably more.) We highlight mowers here from all price ranges to give you the best choice in every class:

• “Inexpensive” – less than 250
• “Moderate” – 250 to 600
• “Expensive” – Above 600

Why are battery-powered lawn mowers becoming so popular? The global effort to reduce fossil fuel consumption has led to massive improvements in battery power and longevity. Now more than ever, battery-powered tools are practical alternatives to their gas counterparts.

Looking for an eco-friendly replacement for your old gas mower? Shopping for your very first lawn machine? We’ve looked at dozens of battery-powered options and come up with 8 great choices for your next mower.

Top 8 Battery-Powered Mowers — Reviews

Best Battery-Powered Mower: Greenworks 40V Mower Series

A leader in battery-powered tools, Greenworks lawn mowers are built with ease-of-use in mind. This series of mowers runs on a 40-volt battery, which is interchangeable with a whole line of outdoor tools.

Our top pick for the best battery-powered mower is the 16-inch Greenworks model. It’s perfect for small- to medium-sized lawns and can mow up to half an acre on a single battery charge.

This Greenworks battery-powered mower weighs just 37.5 pounds, making it one of the lightest cordless mowers on the market. It has a push-button electric start and can run uninterrupted for up to 45 minutes.

Greenworks’ “Smart Cut” cutting system increases power to the blade when it encounters resistance, so thick patches won’t slow you down.

The 16-inch model takes our top spot for its low price tag, weight, and maneuverability. The 40V series comes in a range of sizes. With 14-inch, 17-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch cutting widths available, you can choose the best battery-powered mower for your yard and budget.

Specifications

Power Source: 40V lithium-ion batteryBattery Life: 45 minutesDeck Width: 16 inchesDeck Height: 5 settings, 1.25 inch to 3.75 inchesWeight: 37.5 lbsMulching: YesBag Included: YesPrice Range: Inexpensive

Best Self-Propelled Mower: EGO Power 21-Inch Select Cut

Self-propelled lawn mowers are ideal for larger yards or for people unable to push a conventional mower. This rear-wheel-drive machine from EGO Power takes the hard work out of mowing.

EGO’s “Select Cut” system uses two blades. A fixed top blade does most of the work, while the smaller bottom blade can be swapped out for multiple functions. The lightweight mulcher blade is best for normal mowing, as it puts less strain on the battery, but a heavier “tri-cut” blade is included for tackling thicker grass or overgrown yards.

Like most of the options on this list, the EGO Power mower is multifunctional and is great for mulching, bagging, or side-ejecting grass clippings. It can power itself to over 3 mph with a variable-speed throttle.

The EGO Power 56V battery charges in 50 minutes and delivers up to 45 minutes of work. It’s also compatible with EGO’s entire line of power tools.

At only 76 pounds, this machine is one of the lighter self-propelled battery-powered lawn mowers on the market and can be operated without engaging the drive function.

Bonus Points: This model has LED headlamps for mowing at dusk or dawn. The single-lever height adjustment has 7 settings, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches.

Specifications

Power Source: 56V ARC lithium batteryBattery Life: 45 minutesDeck Width: 21 inchesDeck Height: 7 settings, 1.5 to 4 inchesWeight: 76.8 lbs Mulching: YesBag Included: YesPrice Range: Moderate

Best Budget Mower: Sun Joe MJ401C

Sun Joe is a reliable brand for simple, effective lawn tools. This cordless battery-powered lawn mower is one of the most affordable electric lawn mowers available. Though you give up some features in the name of affordability, this mower is a great pick for urban and suburban yards under a quarter of an acre.

At 23.1 pounds the Sun Joe MJ401C is light and extremely maneuverable. It’s great for mowing around garden beds and in tight spaces. It has a detachable collection bag and can side-eject clippings, though it does not have a mulching function.

The mowing deck is 14 inches in width and can be manually set to 3 height positions. Though it lacks the bells and whistles of more expensive options, this little mower stands up to the competition.

Specifications

Power Source: 28V lithium-ion batteryDeck Width: 14 inchesDeck Height: 3 settingsWeight: 23.1 lbsMulching: NoBag Included: YesPrice Range: Inexpensive

Snapper XD 82V MAX

Boasting an incredible 90-minute battery life, this mower delivers the power of a Briggs Stratton engine with the convenience and low impact of a battery-powered mower. The load-sensing technology automatically adjusts the motor’s output to save energy and extend battery life.

The heavy-duty mower blades and high-powered motor add considerable weight to this mower, so we don’t recommend it for exceedingly hilly yards.

Specifications

Power Source: 82V lithium-ion batteryBattery Life: 45 minutes per battery (2 included)Deck Width: 21 inchesDeck Height: 7 settingsWeight: 90 lbsMulching: YesBag Included: YesPrice Range: Moderate

Greenworks Pro 80V

If you have a thicker lawn, or simply need the power to tackle overgrown areas, Greenworks’ 80-volt pro battery-powered lawn mower gives you the torque of a gas engine without the maintenance or fuel cost.

This mower comes with two 2.0Ah batteries to deliver a full hour of mowing time on a single charge. The included Rapid charger can fill a battery in just 30 minutes, giving you an almost infinite cutting time. A Greenworks Pro 80V version with a single 4.0Ah battery also is available, giving you a 45-minute run time per charge.

Greenworks’ “Smart cut” technology automatically increases motor power when encountering resistance, and the large 10-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front wheels navigate difficult terrain with ease. For heavy-duty mowing, this battery-powered mower can’t be beaten.

The major drawback to this mower is its weight. Its durable steel construction and bulky motor make it a heavier option. It’s available as a self-propelled option with the 4Ah battery system.

Specifications

Power Source: 80V lithium-ion batteryDeck Width: 20 inchesDeck Height: 7 settings, 1.5”-4”Weight: 79 lbsMulching: YesBag Included: YesPrice Range: Moderate

Makita 36V 21-inch Commercial Mower

Designed with commercial jobs in mind, Makita XML07 has the power and longevity to tackle big yards. It comes with 4 batteries, all of which can be inserted into the mower at once to automatically prolong your run time. With all four batteries, this mower can deliver up to 90 minutes of cutting time without stopping.

• The durable steel mowing deck is designed to stand up to debris and rough terrain.
• 10 cutting heights, adjusted with a single lever.
• The grass catcher bag has a simple but ingenious indicator loop on top that expands as the bag fills. It comes with a removable mulching plug and a side discharge chute.
• An ergonomic soft handle for easy pushing
• A “quiet mode” that automatically caps the motor RPM to reduce excess noise.

Because this Makita is one of the toughest, most durable electric mowers on the market, it’s also one of the heaviest. Weighing in at over 100 pounds, it can be a workout to push around a hilly yard. Fortunately, the Makita XML07 also comes as a self-propelled model for a few extra bucks.

Specifications

Power Source: 2x 18V lithium batteries (4x included)Battery Life: 45 minutes (2 batteries)Deck Width: 21 inchesDeck Height: 10 settingsWeight: 115 lbs (with all 4 batteries)Mulching: YesBag Included: YesPrice Range: Expensive

Black Decker 3-in-1 Cordless

This ingenious design combines two essential lawn care tools in one. The standard string trimmer converts into a cordless mower in seconds.

Weighing in under 15 pounds, this one tool can mow, trim, and edge small lawns. It’s light enough to use on steep slopes that other mowers can’t handle.

However, with only 40 minutes of battery life included, the Black Decker string mower is not a great option for larger yards.

Specifications

Power Source: 20V batteryBattery Life: 20 minutes per battery (2 included)Deck Width: 12 inchesDeck Height: 1.6 or 2.4 inchesWeight: 14.5 lbsMulching: NoBag Included: NoPrice Range: Inexpensive

Best Riding Lawn Mower: Ryobi RY48110

Ryobi has been pioneering electric mowers for years. With environmental laws limiting future sales of gas-powered lawn care equipment looming, this riding lawn tractor is designed to give suburban and rural lawn owners a greener option.

With a 2-hour run time, this mower can tackle yards up to 2 acres in a single charge. It can bag, mulch, or side-eject clippings. Equipped with cruise control, LED headlights, and even a USB phone charger, mowing with this tractor is easy and convenient.

Ryobi also manufactures a more affordable 30-inch variant and a 42-inch zero-turn mower for even larger lawns.

Specifications

Power Source: 48V lead-acid batteryBattery Life: 2-hour chargeDeck Width: 38 inchesDeck Height: 12-positions, 1.5-4.5 inchesWeight: 678 lbsMulching: YesBag Included: YesPrice Range: Expensive

Buyers Guide: Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers

A lawn mower can be a big investment. This buying guide will go over the different types of battery-powered lawn mowers and their specifications to help you make an informed purchase. We’ll also talk about the metrics we used to create this list.

Types of Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers

There are many options to consider when purchasing a battery-powered lawn mower. This list has compiled front-runners from three main categories:

Corded Electric Lawn Mowers

The easiest way to get power to any appliance is to plug it into your home’s existing AC power. All you need to run a corded mower is a good extension cord long enough to reach the far corners of your yard.

Corded lawn mowers are better for small yards, as they’re limited in range by a physical tether. It’s also worth noting that you’ll need to avoid running over the cord while mowing, which can become annoying over time.

Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers

New advances in battery technology have led to reliable cordless mowers that can run for an hour or more on a single charge. Modern batteries are Rapid-charging and easy to swap out, so homeowners can mow larger yards without a gas lawn mower.

Though battery-powered lawn mowers weigh and cost more than corded counterparts, they’re still lighter and less expensive than gasoline-powered machines.

Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers

The key feature of a self-propelled mower is that the motor powers the wheels as well as the blade. This allows the operator to walk behind and steer without putting much effort into pushing the machine. Battery-powered self-propelled lawn mowers are more expensive than traditional push mowers, but save a lot of time and exertion.

If you have a larger lawn or can’t manage a heavy mower, self-propelled mowers make lawn care a far easier task.

Electric Riding Mowers

While not common on the market, the demand for electric tractors and riding mowers is increasing as fossil fuels fall out of favor. Using the same technology that has been improving electric vehicles, electric riding mowers can run for two hours or more on a single charge, enough time to tackle large rural lawns.

What to Look for in a Lawn Mower

When researching battery-powered lawn mowers, we used several factors to determine the value of our top picks. Stacking the various features against cost, we focused on four major specs:

Power

Battery-powered mowers are generally measured in volts. Corded electric power is measured in amps.

The higher your engine’s power level, the faster your blade will spin. This means taking on thicker or taller grasses. Low-powered engines may need multiple passes at different cutting heights to accomplish what a high-powered motor can do.

Width

The width of a mower’s cutting deck determines the number of passes you’ll need to make to cover your lawn. A wider deck means a shorter overall task but comes with a major drawback. Wider blades are heavier and require more power to operate. This means wider mowers tend to be more expensive.

If you have a small yard, it may be most cost-effective to spend a few extra minutes working with a smaller machine. If you have intricate landscaping or lots of garden beds, a smaller mower will generally handle curves and corners more efficiently. See our top picks for the best lawn mowers for small yards to find the perfect mower for you.

Weight

Simply put, a heavier mower is going to take more effort to push. Most motors, especially higher-power engines, get much heavier as they increase in power. Steel parts are more durable than plastic but add to a mower’s overall weight. If you have physical limitations, a heavy mower can be a dealbreaker.

The heaviest mowers, however, are the self-propelled variety. Once you hit the weight threshold that comes with a powered drivetrain, the total weight becomes a less significant factor.

If your yard is large or has lots of hills, consider a lightweight or self-propelled option.

Price

Price is the most important factor in determining an item’s value, as it’s the basis of comparison for all the other stats.

FAQ About Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers

What is the best battery-powered lawn mower to buy?

The Greenworks 40V series comes in a variety of deck widths with a fast-charging battery. For most lawns, this option will provide plenty of power at an affordable price. For larger lawns, consider a self-propelled option, like the EGO Power 21-inch mower.

What is the easiest battery-powered lawn mower to push?

Out of the mowers on this list, the lightest weight belongs to the Black Decker 3-in1 string mower. The lightest traditional mower on the list is the SunJoe MJ401C. Self-propelled options like the EGO Power Select Cut mower are heavy but do not require difficult pushing.

How much should I spend on a battery-powered lawn mower?

A Smart buyer can find reliable mowers at any price point. Many of the mowers on this list are under 250 and can run for years with proper care. A lawn care enthusiast or a person with a large, difficult lawn may want to invest more in their yard work tools to save time and effort.

When to Call a Lawn Care Pro

If buying your own mower and taking care of your lawn seems like a daunting task, Lawn Love pros can give your yard a professional manicure at affordable prices. Call 800-706-4117 to see how a professional lawn care crew can take the hassle out of maintaining a beautiful landscape.

Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.

Main Photo Credit: iStock photo with text overlay

Explore all Lawn Mowers

Discover the eco-friendly and low-maintenance way to mow with Greenworks’ push and self-propelled electric lawn mowers. From 24V to 80V, find the perfect battery-powered fit for your lawn and ditch the noise, fumes, and hassle of gas mowers for good.

Compare Best Sellers

60V 25 Cordless Battery Self-Propelled Lawn Mower w/ Two (2) 4.0Ah Batteries Dual-Port Charger

60V 21 Cordless Battery Self-Propelled Lawn Mower w/ Two (2) 4.0Ah Batteries Dual Port Charger

60V 21 Cordless Battery Push Lawn Mower w/ 5.0Ah Battery Charger

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mulch?

Yes, Greenworks mowers are designed for grass and mulching weeds and foliage—and has a side discharge and a bagging option.

What maintenance is required for my Greenworks mower?

Unlike traditional gas mowers, Greenworks electric mowers require no gas or oil changes, spark plug replacements, or carburetor cleanings. This makes maintenance a breeze, our mowers only need occasional blade sharpening and cleaning (discharge, bag, etc.) to keep them running smoothly.

Can I use these batteries with the string trimmer?

Yes, one battery allows you to mow, blow, cut, trim, cultivate, and so much more! One Greenworks 80V battery works with 75 tools. One Greenworks 60V battery works with 75 tools. One Greenworks 40V battery works with 75 tools. One Greenworks 24V battery works with 125 tools

Will it work in high grass?

Greenworks Intelligent Power™ senses thick, tall, or wet grass and maintains constant high blade speed for the perfect cut.

Does battery temperature matter?

Yes, to keep your lithium batteries in peak condition, store them indoors in a dry, cool place. Check the owner’s manual for storage and temperature instructions and let the batteries warm up to room temperature before using.

Mini battery lawn mower

America’s #1 selling walk mower brand gives you 60V battery power that does everything gas can, minus the gas can. Don’t just mow, dominate with exclusive features like Personal Pace® Auto-Drive™ that moves at your speed, Vortex Technology™ that maximizes airflow, and a slew of lightweight, durable deck options. Plus every mower is part of the Toro 60V Max Interchangeable 75 Tool Power System for all seasons power.

60V Max 21″ Stripe ™ Mower

The Toro 60V Max Stripe ™ Mower is specifically designed from the ground up to deliver pro-level striping, dual blade mulching, effortless battery power, and up to 65 minutes of runtime. There’s only one mower like it and you’re looking at it.

60V Max 21″ Super Recycler ® Mower with Headlights

Super Recycler delivers samurai sword sharpness, commercial grade features and best-in-class under-deck airflow with Vortex Technology achieving that rich, green lawn that all your neighbors envy. This machine does everything gas can, minus the gas can. Plus, high-beam LED headlights. Even darkness can’t slow it down.

60V Max 30” eTimeMaster ™ Mower

The 60V Max 30” eTimeMaster TM Mower helps you tackle more yard in less time—40% less mowing time, to be exact. It also gives you the option of three active battery ports for up to 100 minutes of runtime, and Personal Pace Auto-Drive™ that detects your pace and adjusts on the go. Prepare to get more of your day back.

60V Max 22” Recycler ® Mower with Headlights

Our 60-volt battery-powered mower makes every mowing job easier and faster. It adjusts to your pace with Personal Pace Auto-Drive™, boosts performance with Vortex Technology that injects more air into the cutting chamber, and uses its 22” blade to cut a wider path with each pass. Plus dual LED headlights let you finish the job.

60V Max 21” Recycler ® Mower

Our 60-volt Toro Recycler ® Mower uses patented cutting technology to create clippings fine enough to allow moisture and nutrients back into your lawn. We call these clippings Lawn Vitamins ™. Combined with its RunSmart ® brushless motor that optimizes power, runtime, and tool life, plus its self-propelled ease, this is the definition of a do-it-all mower.

60V Max 22″ Recycler ® Mower

Our 60-volt battery-powered mower with Personal Pace Auto-Drive™ transmission adjusts to you in real time. RunSmart® onboard intel optimizes RPMs and workload. Vortex turbocharged airflow. It’s cordless self-propelled on steroids.

60V Max 21″ Super Recycler ® Mower

Super Recycler delivers samurai sword sharpness, commercial grade features and best-in-class under-deck airflow with Vortex Technology achieving that rich, green lawn that all your neighbors envy. This machine does everything gas can, minus the gas can.

60V Max 21″ Recycler ® Mower

Our 60-volt battery-powered mower has a 21″ all-steel deck with Recycler technology that cuts clippings over and over. Self-propelled to make everything easier. RunSmart® onboard intel optimizes RPMs and torque.

Celebrating our first 100 years in 2014, we continue to strengthen our position as a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf maintenance, snow and ice management, landscape, rental and specialty construction equipment, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions.

Battery manufacturer rating = 60V maximum 54V typical usage. Actual voltage varies with load.

† Compared to leading 60v battery-powered outdoor power equipment brands. Maximum battery power output measured in watts, based on battery cell manufacturer’s rating. Actual power output dependent on tool used and use conditions.

Quietest lawn mower 2023: Mow your lawn in peace

Discover the quietest lawn mowers to transform your yard into a blissfully quiet haven.

The quietest lawn mowers are the perfect tool to transform your backyard into a scene of peace and serenity. While most lawn mowers are notoriously noisy, there are quiet lawn mower models that significantly reduce the amount of noise you (and your neighbors) will experience.

So, what should you look for in one of the quietest lawn mowers? You’ll see that noise levels are measured in decibels. Be aware that decibels are on a logarithmic scale, with 50 dB registering about twice as loud as 40 dB. As a guide, a normal conversation is the equivalent of 60 dB. However, it’s worth noting that the majority of lawn mower manufacturers do not provide information on decibels (although our top pick does!).

In this guide, you’ll only find electric lawn mowers, robot lawn mowers and manual push mowers. We excluded the best riding lawn mowers and the best gas lawn mowers from this guide as, while they tend to boast superior cutting power, they tend to be louder than their counterparts.

Mulling over whether to opt for manual, electric, or robot? The main distinction is the amount of work. A manual mower is the most sustainable option but requires more physical exertion, a robot takes care of the mowing for you, and an electric model is somewhere in between.

Quietest lawn mowers

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews

Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

We’ve rounded up the quietest lawn mowers around to help you find the right model for you. We’ve included everything from a high-tech robot lawn mower to a manual push reel mower. While we endeavor to review every product that we highlight in our guides, reviews for the products below are still in progress. However, we’ve summed up the key specs, features and user reviews to help you make the right decision for you and your lawn.

The quietest lawn mower

Reasons to avoid

If you want a mower to do the hard graft for you, the GARDENA 15001-41 SILENO City is your new best friend. Better still, this robot mower operates so quietly that you may forget it’s there.

The GARDENA 15001-41 SILENO City scores an impressive 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon user reviews on the noise level. Many were thrilled with the convenience of the mower taking care of the lawn for them. A few mentioned that it trims the grass very short, which is not to everyone’s taste. The main drawback mentioned is that setting up the boundary wire can be a hassle. but you only have to do it once.

Gardena is a European brand renowned for its robot mowers, with 20 years of experience in the industry. An insider tip is that European brands often have quieter models as there are stricter regulations on noise control than in the US. At 57 dBA, it’s one of the quietest lawn mowers in its class. That’s equivalent to just shy of a normal conversation. The quiet operation allows you to relax and unwind in your yard while the mower takes care of the lawn.

We love that this little mower works come rain or shine, with a clever weatherproof design. It can even navigate slopes up to a 35% gradient. At 799.99, it’s not cheap, though it may be worth the investment to tick the mowing off your list.

of the quietest lawn mowers

Cutting width: 18 inches Type: Self-propelled, cordless Power type: Battery

If you live in a crowded urban area, the Makita XML03CM1 is a safe bet. It’s super quiet, thanks to the battery-powered operation and a brushless motor. It scores a commendable 4.7 out of 5 on noise level on Amazon reviews. The quiet mode is a bonus, which dampens noise by reducing the speed to 2500 RPM. This feature is super handy if you need to approach buildings. Plus, the Makita XML03CM1 goes the distance, promising to last up to 2 miles before the battery cuts out. With self-propelled capability, this product takes the chore out of mowing. The drawbacks? A few reviewers complain the handle is not the comfiest. There are also reports the mower struggles with very tall grass, though it cuts well in normal conditions.

Against

Type: Push reel Power type: Manual Cutting width: 16 inches

If you want to escape the noise of modern life, look no further than the Earthwise 1715-16EW. It’s almost silent, thanks to the absence of a motor. This manual option not only keeps noise pollution to a minimum, but it’s also zero-emission, making it super-sustainable. At a steal price of 129.99, the Earthwise is also budget-friendly. The grass is actually greener with a reel mower thanks to the scissor-like action, which protects the lawn from damage. Worried about it being hard work? One reviewer describes it as a “dream to push,” and it is surprisingly lightweight. Yet it won’t be for everyone, as it does demand physical exertion. A few Amazon reviews mention adjusting it can be cumbersome, which is worth factoring in.

Against

Type: Corded push Power type: Electric Cutting width: 14 inches

The American Lawn Mower Company 50514 is a green option for small lawns. Thanks to its electric operation, it reduces your carbon footprint. Another draw is this electric model is much quieter than gas. One Amazon reviewer said they could even hold a conversation while mowing. This mower is incredibly lightweight, making it a breeze to use. If you’re pressed for storage space, you can stow it away easily due to the foldable handle. The adjustability is another nice touch. you can customize the handle height to suit your frame. Be aware that the grass bag fills up quickly, and the mower is corded, making it best suited to small plots. But at 159.99, the American Lawn Mower Company 50514 is both a budget and planet-conscious option.

Against

Type: Cordless push Power type: Battery Running time: 60 minutes

The EGO Power LM2000-S promises the power of gas without the faff. This makes an excellent alternative to a gas mower. Thanks to the battery-powered operation, it boasts 30% less noise than a gas equivalent. This is a great all-rounder if you want an easy-to-use electric mower. It scores a commendable 4.5 out of 5 from 303 reviews on Amazon. Plus, it folds away, which is a big draw if you’re tight on storage space. For a healthy lawn, you can mulch the grass clippings to return nutrients to the soil and keep it looking lush. At 349.99, it offers decent value though you will need to shell out extra for a battery as it’s not included. EGO batteries are interchangeable if you have their other tools.

Why having the quietest lawn mower possible is important

If you want to transform your yard into a tranquil haven, picking one of the quietest lawn mowers is a superb choice.

“Quiet lawnmowers offer a multitude of benefits, including eliminating disruptions for neighbors and expanding a homeowner’s mowing opportunities. Mowing early in the morning was once considered a nuisance, but with quiet lawn mowers, homeowners can mow whenever it fits their schedule — without waking up the neighborhood,” says Christina Swanson, Marketing Manager at Toro.

Christina Swanson is a marketing manager with Toro, where she is responsible for the walk–behind lawn mower business. She’s an expert on all aspects of lawn care – and understands why having a quiet lawn mower can be so beneficial.

Picking one of the quietest lawn mowers is wise if you live in an urban area with buildings and neighbors nearby. It means you don’t have to worry about disturbing the people around you.

Keeping the noise down isn’t just about peace and quiet. Evidence suggests reducing exposure to noise benefits your health and wellbeing. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to excessive noise can interfere with daily activities and negatively impact sleep and cardiovascular health.

Exposure to loud noise over prolonged periods is also linked to stress. “It is thought that noise triggers the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which damages blood vessels over time,” says Poppy Szkiler, Quiet Mark CEO CoFounder.

If you share your home with pets, one of the quietest lawn mowers may be a wise choice. Loud noises can cause distress in some animals, but a quiet model can put your mind at ease.

What are the downsides to having a quiet lawn mower?

Perceptions of noise are shifting, and choosing a quiet appliance is increasingly desirable. According to a Quiet Mark survey, more than 77% of Americans have changed how they view noise in their environment since the beginning of the pandemic.

“The World Health Organization says that noise pollution is the second biggest killing natural pollutant after air pollution. At least 1 million healthy life-years are lost every year in western European countries because of environmental noise, with cardiovascular disease contributing to the vast majority of these deaths, especially high blood pressure, heart attacks, and coronary heart disease,” says Poppy Szkiler, Quiet Mark CEO CoFounder.

People are willing to pay a premium for peace and quiet. You can expect models with quiet functioning to cost more as it’s a selling point. If you’re on a budget, a manual model may be a great choice as they are typically more affordable than other options. You may also want to take advantage of deals on quieter models to reap the rewards for less.

Typically, electric, battery, and manual models are quieter than gas lawn mowers. Consumers have traditionally faced a trade-off between the power of gas and the peace and quiet of other types of mowers. Recent developments see alternative models beginning to rival gas. “Battery-powered mowers stand up to their gas counterparts when it comes to quality of cut, reliability, and durability,” says Christina Swanson, Marketing Manager at Toro.

Yet be aware that often higher motor speeds produce more noise, so you may need to find a compromise between power and noise level. The Makita XML03CM1, for example, has an extra quiet mode, which reduces noise by slowing down the speed of the motor.

On a very large plot? The quietest models may not offer sufficient power to cover the ground quickly. In this scenario, a riding mower may be a better alternative for your yard.

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