Finding the ultimate 40V lawn mower can often be a struggle, requiring homeowners to balance essential factors like raw power, reliable runtime, and simple operation.
Many individuals feel frustrated when cordless models fail to last long enough for larger yards or lack the necessary cutting strength for dense grass.
However, the top 40V lawn mowers on the market today overcome these hurdles by featuring efficient brushless motors, extended battery life, and lightweight yet durable construction.
With features such as versatile discharge options, adjustable cutting heights, and self-propulsion, these advanced machines ensure a clean, precise cut without the hassle, noise, or fumes associated with traditional gas models.
Our data-driven analysis, which includes expert testing and evaluation of motor power and blade speed, helps us provide informed recommendations based on consistent performance and user-reported reliability.
1. Greenworks 40V 21″ Self-Propelled Mower – Best Overall
This Greenworks 40V 21″ model is a game-changer for medium to large yards, offering gas-like performance without the noise or fumes.
It justifies its position as the best overall 40V mower through its durable steel deck, self-propelled drive, and seamless integration with over 75 Greenworks tools.
The powerful brushless motor delivers serious torque, smoothly tackling thick grass while maintaining quiet operation under 75dB.
Its rear-wheel self-propel system reduces physical strain, proving beneficial on slight inclines, uneven, or damp, dense grass.
The mower offers 3-in-1 functionality (mulch, bag, side discharge) and a 7-position single-lever height adjustment for adaptability. The 5.0Ah battery provides up to 45 minutes of runtime, easily covering up to ½ acre on one charge.
Furthermore, its vertical storage design saves 70% more space in the garage. This gold standard model outperforms many competitors in balance and usability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brushless motor | Heavy (around 70 lbs) |
| Self-propelled | 8″ front wheels struggle on rough terrain |
| Vertical storage | No dual battery |
| 7 height settings | |
| 3-in-1 mow |
2. WILD BADGER POWER 40V 18″ Mower – Best Budget Friendly
The Wild Badger 40V 18” mower is a surprisingly capable entry-level machine and is rated as the best budget-friendly 40V lawn mower for small to mid-sized yards.
It features a brushless motor spinning at 3,400 RPM, which provides consistent power for clean cuts even in moderate grass thickness. The 5-position height adjustment (1.5” to 3.5”) allows users to tailor the cut precisely to seasonal needs.
For users who dislike constant emptying, the 11-gallon collection bag is an excellent feature, minimizing stops during mowing. The mower is highly efficient for properties under 1/3 acre, delivering about 30 minutes of runtime.
Downtime is significantly reduced thanks to the 60-minute fast charger. Its quick 5-second fold mechanism is a standout feature, making storage in sheds or small garages very space-saving.
This no-frills, affordable, and compact mower delivers strong performance for the price, making it the best bang-for-your-buck 40V mower.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast folding (5 seconds) | No self-propel |
| 11-gal bag | Plastic build (housing feels less rugged) |
| 3,400 RPM | 30-min runtime |
| Quick charge (60 mins) | Struggles with wet/overgrown patches |
| Budget friendly |
3. Cordless Lawn Mower w/ Dual Battery – Best Mid-Range
This cordless lawn mower utilizes a dual-battery system to become the best mid-range 40V mower, offering unmatched runtime efficiency for small yard warriors.
Despite its 15-inch deck, it comes standard with two 4.0Ah batteries and a rapid dual-port charger that recharges the batteries in just 30 minutes.
This setup allows users to mow for up to 50 minutes continuously by swapping batteries, which is ideal for back-to-back sessions. The brushless motor achieves 3,400 RPM, providing quiet, smooth cuts and handling thicker grass better than most budget models.
Excelling in small gardens and tight spaces, the mower is highly lightweight, weighing less than 36 lbs, which significantly reduces user fatigue.
The 6 height settings and foldable design enhance versatility and ease of storage. This mower fills a critical gap between budget and premium options, offering more battery muscle and faster charging than competitors in the mid-tier category.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual batteries (4.0Ah) | 15” deck (narrow) |
| 30-min rapid charge | No self-propel |
| Lightweight (under 36lbs) | Plastic deck (less durable than steel) |
| Foldable | 8.8-gallon grass bag fills quickly |
| 50-min runtime (approx.) |
4. Greenworks 40V 16″ Ultra-Light Mower – Best Lightweight
The Greenworks 40V 16” mower is the lightweight champion of cordless cutting, designed for users who need quiet operation, portability, and exceptional ease of use.
Being 35% lighter than comparable models, it is effortless to push, turn, and store, making it the best lightweight 40V lawn mower available, especially for users with physical limitations or mobility concerns.
The brushless motor provides gas-like power with zero emissions, while the 4.0Ah battery delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime, sufficient for small to medium yards.
It includes a 5-position Smart Cut system and 2-in-1 mulch/bag functionality, offering solid versatility. Mowing is stress-free due to the whisper-quiet operation (under 75dB) and the instant push-button start.
Though the 16-inch deck requires more passes, this model thrives in flat, well-maintained yards. It excels in comfort and ecosystem integration, working seamlessly with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools. This is the most user-friendly 40V mower, backed by a 3-year warranty.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-light (35% lighter) | 16” deck (requires more passes) |
| Push-button start | No self-propel |
| Quiet (<75dB) | Plastic deck |
| Tool ecosystem integration | Struggles with tall or wet grass |
| 3-year warranty | Smaller grass bag |
5. MightyMow 40V 21″ Self-Propelled – Best for Large Yard
The MightyMow 40V 21” is a cordless beast built for large yards, recognized as the best 40V mower for large lawns due to its unmatched runtime.
It includes two 8.0Ah batteries, providing up to 60 minutes with self-propel engaged and an impressive 75 minutes without it, placing it among the longest-running cordless mowers available.
The brushless motor generates serious cutting power, hitting 3,500 RPM to slice through thick grass and weeds without stalling. Its 21-inch steel deck ensures wide coverage, minimizing total mowing time.
The adjustable self-propel speed (2.0–4.3 ft/s) makes mowing effortless, even on sloped properties where the self-propelled drive and rear-wheel traction provide smooth hill climbing. Users with ½ acre or more will appreciate the endurance and power.
The dual-port charger fully replenishes both batteries in under 2 hours, ensuring minimal downtime. This mower delivers brute performance, making it the ultimate cordless workhorse for endurance and coverage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual 8.0Ah batteries | Heavy (around 75 lbs) |
| 75-min runtime (without SP) | Awkward discharge chute installation |
| Self-propelled (variable speed) | Bulky design |
| 21” steel deck | Grass bag can be tricky to fit securely |
| 3-in-1 mow |
6. Greenworks 40V 20″ Brushless Mower – Best Feature Rich
The Greenworks 40V 20” feature-rich mower is a tech-packed powerhouse that represents the most advanced option available in the 40V category.
This model is set apart by its LED headlights, a rare feature that facilitates safe mowing during early dawn or late dusk.
The industry-leading 4-in-1 system is a key feature, offering bagging, mulching, side discharge, and a turbo leaf pickup function that helps clear light leaves and debris without requiring an extra tool.
Its durable 20-inch steel deck and brushless motor provide strong, quiet performance. Precision across varying grass types is managed by a 7-position single-lever height adjustment.
The aluminum handles and the EZ-fold system make it light, durable, and simple to store vertically, saving valuable garage space.
While not self-propelled, its features, design, and strong ecosystem integration make it a smart and versatile choice for users up to 1/3 acre. This mower successfully combines utility, design, and ecosystem strength.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| LED headlight | No self-propel |
| 4-in-1 mow (with turbo leaf pickup) | Average bag size |
| Aluminum handles | Leaf mode limited (best for dry, light foliage) |
| EZ fold (vertical storage) | |
| 7 height settings |
Detailed Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right 40V Lawn Mower
Choosing the right 40V lawn mower depends heavily on your specific lawn size, the terrain of your property, and the features you prioritize. A 40V mower is generally ideal for small to medium-sized yards, typically up to ½ acre.
Runtime & Battery Capacity
Runtime is perhaps the most critical component of a cordless mower. The Amp-hour (Ah) rating of the battery determines how long the mower operates on a single charge.
- Small Yards (under ¼ acre): A lower Ah rating (like 4.0Ah) usually provides 30–45 minutes of runtime, which is generally sufficient.
- Larger Properties (over ¼ acre): You should prioritize models with higher Ah batteries (5.0Ah – 8.0Ah) or dual battery systems to achieve 45–60+ minutes of continuous mowing, ensuring minimal interruptions for charging.
Cutting Width & Deck Material
The cutting width directly impacts how quickly you can complete your mow.
- 16- to 20-inch decks are often favored for smaller yards where greater maneuverability is required.
- 21-inch decks are best for larger areas as they reduce the overall mowing time.
Deck material is also key to durability. Steel decks are more durable and capable of handling rough terrain but tend to add weight. Conversely, polymer decks are lighter but offer less resistance to impact damage.
Self-Propelled vs. Push Mowers
Self-propelled mowers feature a drive system that assists with forward motion, removing the physical strain from the user.
This benefit is particularly valuable on uneven ground or hills, and for larger yards. Push mowers are typically less expensive.
If opting for a self-propelled model, look for adjustable speed settings so you can match the mower’s pace to your walking speed and the terrain.
Versatility: 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 Capabilities
Most 40V mowers offer multiple discharge settings.
- A “3-in-1” system includes rear bagging, side discharge, and mulching (which is excellent for returning nutrients to the soil).
- A “4-in-1” system, such as that found on the Greenworks 40V 20”, adds a turbo leaf pickup function for enhanced yard cleanup versatility.
Other key features to consider include a brushless motor for increased torque and efficiency, vertical storage capability to save garage space, adjustable cutting height settings, and LED headlights for low-light mowing.