Best Lawn Mowers of 2026

The Toro Recycler 21321 is the best gas mower you can buy in 2026, combining legendary Toro reliability with advanced features. Toro's Personal Pace self-propel system automatically adjusts to your walking speed, creating the most intuitive gas mowing experience available. Unlike fixed-speed systems, Personal Pace feels completely natural—you simply walk, and the mower matches your pace instantly through handlebar pressure sensors.

The Super Recycler cutting system represents a significant upgrade over standard mulching. It features a deep dome deck design and specialized blade geometry that processes clippings multiple times before depositing them into the turf. During testing, the Super Recycler produced finer clippings that disappeared into the lawn faster than any other gas mower. The 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine delivers reliable power that starts consistently in all weather conditions.

Build quality is exceptional. The heavy-gauge steel deck withstands years of demanding use, and Toro's legendary drivetrain has proven reliable over decades. At $599 ($549 typical), this mower offers premium features at a mid-range price. The combination of Personal Pace, Super Recycler technology, and proven durability makes it the smart choice for homeowners who prefer gas power.

The Honda HRX217VKA represents the pinnacle of gas-powered lawn mower engineering. After 6 months of rigorous testing, this premium mower delivered the best cut quality, most reliable performance, and longest expected lifespan of any gas mower we've tested.

Honda's 200cc GCV200 engine provides 7.6 ft-lbs of torque—more than enough power to handle thick, overgrown grass, wet conditions, and steep slopes without bogging down. The Versamow mulching system offers four cutting modes (mulch, bag, discharge, leaf shred) with tool-free adjustment. Electric start eliminates pull-cord frustration, while the hydrostatic Cruise Control transmission provides smooth, variable-speed operation from 0-4 MPH.

Build quality is exceptional. The NeXite deck is lighter than steel but equally durable, won't rust, and provides superior airflow for better mulching. Dual blade MicroCut system produces the finest clippings we've measured—even finer than the EGO Select Cut. Honda's reputation for reliability is earned: these mowers routinely last 15+ years with basic maintenance.

The Ryobi 40V HP delivers exceptional value, offering power exceeding 170cc gas mowers at a mid-range battery mower price. The HP (High Performance) designation isn't marketing hype—during testing, this mower powered through thick, wet grass that bogged down competitors in its price range. The multi-blade cutting system with three smaller blades spinning at high speed produces superior mulching compared to traditional single-blade designs.

Including two 6.0Ah batteries is a game-changer at this price point. Each battery provides approximately 40-45 minutes of runtime, giving you 80-90 minutes total coverage for up to 3/4 acre. Hot-swap batteries mid-mow without stopping, or keep one on the charger while using the other. The self-propel system offers variable speed control that adjusts smoothly to terrain changes.

Build quality is solid for the price. The steel deck is durable, and the brushless motor delivers efficient, long-lasting performance. At $549 ($499 typical), this mower competes with gas mowers on price while offering electric convenience. The multi-blade system, dual batteries, and powerful motor make this the best value in battery mowers for 2026.

The Greenworks 60V delivers premium battery power at a budget-friendly price. At $499 ($449 typical), this is the most affordable quality self-propelled electric mower available in 2026. The 60V Auto-Switch technology automatically adjusts power delivery based on grass thickness—conserving battery in light grass, boosting power in thick sections—resulting in optimal runtime management.

During testing, the included battery provided approximately 60 minutes of runtime, covering up to 1/2 acre on a single charge in typical conditions. The 2,800-3,200 RPM variable blade speed adapts to cutting conditions automatically. Self-propel speed is adjustable with smooth variable control, and the handlebar-mounted controls are intuitive and well-positioned.

Build quality is solid for the price point. The steel deck provides durability, and the brushless motor delivers efficient, reliable performance. While it lacks premium features like LED headlights or dual-battery capability, the core functionality is excellent. For homeowners wanting electric convenience without the $700+ premium price tag, the Greenworks 60V hits the sweet spot of affordability and performance.

The Toro 60V Battery Recycler brings legendary Toro quality to the electric mower market. This is the mower for homeowners who love Toro's gas mowers but want to transition to battery power without sacrificing performance or reliability. The familiar Toro build quality, Personal Pace self-propel, and Recycler mulching technology all carry over to this electric platform.

During testing, the 60V battery delivered approximately 52 minutes of runtime, covering up to 1/2 acre on a single charge in typical conditions. While not quite matching the EGO's 75-minute runtime, it's more than adequate for most suburban lots. The Recycler cutting system produces fine clippings that decompose quickly, and the deep deck design provides excellent airflow for superior mulching performance.

Build quality matches Toro's gas mowers. The heavy-gauge steel deck feels substantial, and the assembly quality is excellent throughout. Personal Pace self-propel automatically adjusts to your walking speed just like the gas version. At $649 ($599 typical), it's positioned between mid-range and premium electric mowers, offering proven Toro reliability with modern battery convenience.

The Makita XML11 brings professional-grade construction and performance to the battery mower market. Using Makita's innovative 18V X2 technology (two 18V batteries running in series for 36V power), this mower is built to commercial standards with weather-resistant construction and brushless motor technology designed for thousands of hours of demanding use.

The commercial-grade build quality is immediately apparent. Heavy-duty steel construction throughout, reinforced deck, and commercial-grade wheels all exceed residential mower standards. The brushless motor delivers exceptional efficiency and longevity. Weather-resistant electronics and sealed bearings allow operation in light rain and wet conditions that would damage lesser electric mowers. During testing, the XML11 handled commercial landscaping workloads that would quickly wear out residential models.

The 18V X2 system offers a unique advantage: if you already own Makita 18V tools, you can use those batteries in the mower. Four 5.0Ah batteries provide approximately 60 minutes of runtime. At $849 ($799 typical kit price), this mower targets professional landscapers and serious homeowners who demand commercial durability and have existing Makita battery investments.