Greenworks 40V 21" Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 5.0Ah Battery and Charger Included

Why it's worth it

This Greenworks 21-inch mower is the least complicated way out of gas: a brushless motor, rear-wheel drive, three cutting modes, and a 5.0Ah battery and charger in the box. It's rated for up to 45 minutes, which covers a quarter-acre lot with room to spare.

For a lot of people this is enough mower. If your lawn is a flat quarter acre and you mow weekly, the 21-inch deck and 45 or so minutes of runtime cover it, and you get the things that make mowing pleasant: push-button start, no fuel can in the garage, and self-propel so you're steering rather than shoving. Owners moving over from old corded or lead-acid mowers consistently describe it as a big step up.

Rear-wheel drive is the right call at this size. Front-wheel systems lose traction as the bag fills and you lean back to turn; rear-wheel drive keeps pulling. The single-lever height adjustment has seven positions, and the deck does rear bagging, side discharge and mulching, so you can bag in spring when growth is heavy and mulch the rest of the season.

From our review of 8 lawn mowers, by Genevieve Dubois, Home & Living Expert

What we like

• +For a lot of people this is enough mower
• +Rear-wheel drive is the right call at this size
• +The 40V platform is the other reason to buy it

What to know

• –Power is the limit, and owners say so
• –Battery life gets mixed reports