Best cordless lawn mower 2024: top battery-powered sward slayers for a variety of lawn sizes

The best cordless lawn mowers are hassle free while saving loads of time on the turf

Greenworks mower
(Image credit: Greenworks)
Best cordless lawn mower 2024: Jump Menu

Kärcher 18-36 vs Gtech Cordless Lawnmower 2.0

(Image credit: Gtech)

00. The top 3 ↴
01. Best overall: EGO+ LM2021E-SP
02. Best for small to medium lawns: Kärcher LMO 18-33
03. Best lightweight cordless lawn mower: Gtech CLM50
04. Best ergonomic cordless lawn mower: Stihl RMA 339 C
05. Best cordless lawn mower for battery: LawnMaster 24V Lawn Mower
06. Best self-propelling cordless lawn mower: Cobra MX51S80V
07. Best for urban lawns: Gardena PowerMax 32/36V P4A
08. Best mid-range cordless lawn mower: Greenworks Pro GD60LM46SPK4
09. Best cheap cordless lawn mower: Cobra MX3440V
10. Best for small lawns: Bosch CityMower 18-300
11. Best budget cordless lawn mower: EINEHELL GE-CM 18/33 LI
12. Best wide-bodied cordless lawn mower: Cobra MX4340V
13. How we test

Replace your rusty old cable mower and embrace the pleasures of battery-power with the best cordless lawn mowers.

It may seem far too early in the season to be thinking about lawn mowers, but now is a great time to shop for one. This is because new models are about to be released and end-of-line models from last year are still on sale, many of them selling for a song. And, that's specifically great for cordless lawnmowers, as they tend to cost more than wired models, so a big saving makes them much more affordable.

Cordless lawn mowers make mowing the grass a lot easier than a standard electric model, mostly because you don't have to worry about - or be restricted by - a pesky cable that you can be 100% sure will snag on every ornament, furniture piece or bush in the garden.

Believe us, you’ll find the entire process of cutting your grass much more convenient with a cordless device, and you’ll be able to get it done a lot quicker so you can relax in the garden with a nice cold bevvy instead.

Each cordless lawn mower in this guide is battery powered, which makes them very super convenient but if you’re looking for something else, we also have a guide on the best petrol lawn mower. Alternatively, if you’ve got a large garden and really don’t want to do much manual labour, then check out our guide to the best robot lawn mower.

For smaller gardens that don’t need much work, we can also recommend the best small lawnmowers. They may be small but they still get the job done.

WRITTEN BY
Author
WRITTEN BY
Bethan Girdler-Maslen

Beth is Home Editor for T3, covering style, living and wellness. From the comfiest mattresses to what strange things you can cook in an air fryer, Beth covers sleep, yoga, smart home, coffee machines, grooming tools, fragrances, gardening and much more. If it's something that goes in your house, chances are Beth knows about it and has the latest reviews and recommendations.

The top three

Best cordless lawnmowers ranking 2024

Why you can trust T3 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.

The best cordless lawn mower overall

EGO+ LM2021E-SP on white backgroundT3 Best Buy badge

(Image credit: EGO)

1. EGO+ LM2021E-SP 50CM Self-propelled

The best large self-propelled cordless mower

Specifications

Power: 56v
Deck size: 50cm
Cutting height: 25-95mm
Grass collector: 60L
Weight: 31.5kgs
Average run time: 40 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Variable-speed self propulsion
+
Impeccable build quality
+
Excellent battery system
+
LED headlights
+
Ideal for larger lawns

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy to carry
-
Not cheap

At around 31kgs, the imposingly black and very stylish self-propelled Ego+ LM2021E-SP is actually lighter than many similar-sized models so it can be easily pushed if necessary. This mower comes equipped with a 50cm steel cutting deck and a gargantuan 56-volt 5Ah ARC Lithium battery system that powers the beast for up to about 40 minutes at a time. It also comes with Ego’s amazingly quick Rapid Charger which readies the supplied 5Ah battery for another stint on the sod in an industry-leading 40 minutes.

I absolutely love this mower’s self propulsion system which can be set from a really slow walking pace to a spritely spring in the step simply by adjusting the rocker switch on the handlebar. The activation lever, too, is perfectly positioned for both comfort and convenience. Moreover, the self propulsion can be used independently of the main blade motor for safe transport across the lawn. Oh, and unlike most self-propelled mowers that lurch off dragging you along behind, this one starts off nice and gently. 

The superbly designed collapsible handlebar system, meanwhile, can be adjusted to three heights, from really low for those of short stature to a height to match a six footer. The whole handlebar assembly also collapses and folds up into a surprisingly small and tidy package that allows you to push the mower around like a trolley cart and store it in a space-saving upright position. And should you ever feel the urge to mow in the dark you may be pleased to know that this model is also fitted with LED headlights so you can avoid decapitating moles and gophers.

In my extensive tests, this mower cut through even the tallest of field-type grass as well any petrol-powered mower I’ve ever used. In fact I’d go so far as to say that Ego mowers are probably the most powerful cordless models on the market right now and arguably the only cordless range capable of matching petrol power for sheer cutting torque. Its specially designed bagging blade scythed through everything with confidence, chucking the cuttings deep into the large 60-litre mesh grass collector. As an extra bonus, the mower also comes with a mulching plug and side chute assembly for those who prefer to have the cuttings blasted back into the lawn. With a choice of six cutting heights (from 25-95mm), you can be sure this mower will deal with all types of grasses.

Granted, the Ego LM2021E-SP is one of the most expensive cordless mowers you can buy right now, but if you're after a staggeringly well engineered model that has the power to deal with every type of grass known to humankind, then this one does the job brilliantly well. It is, quite possibly, the most thoughtfully designed lawn mower in existence. Top dollar.

The best cordless lawn mower for small medium lawns

Kärcher LMO 18-36 cordless lawn mower depicted on a white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Kärcher)

2. Kärcher LMO 18-36

The best lawn mower for small to medium sized lawns

Specifications

Power: 18v
Deck size: 36cm
Cutting height: 30-70mm
Grass collector: 45L
Weight: 14.2kgs
Average run time: 40 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive battery system
+
Good ride height lever
+
Adjustable handlebar
+
Superb performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Colour may not be to everyone's taste

Although Kärcher is more famously known for its pressure washers, the German company has done its homework and produced a pair brilliant mowers that compete very favourably with the more established brands. For this guide we’re focusing on the larger LMO 18-36 model with a 36cm cutting deck, but if you need a smaller model, head over to our guide to the best small lawn mowers and check out the Kärcher LMO 18-33 instead.

If you have a medium-sized urban lawn, you could do worse than get your mitts around this excellent cordless model which has a cutting deck of 36cm, a 45-litre fabric grass collector for fewer trips to the compost heap, and a nice big height lever that takes the cutting deck from 30-70mm. It even comes with a mulching plug for those who like to mulch much mulch.

The Kärcher 18-36 comes with an 18v 5aH battery that’s one of the best in this price range. Its LCD not only displays accurate battery level in percentages, but it just seems to go on and on. I’m guessing you’ll easily get 40 minutes of cutting time out of it. At a smidge under 14 kilos, this one’s a no brainer, especially if you have a medium-sized lawn.

To see how this top-rated mower stacks up against the competition, be sure to check out T3's Kärcher LMO 18-36 vs Gtech Cordless Lawnmower 2.0.

The best lightweight cordless lawn mower

The Gtech CLM50 cordless lawn mower shown side on on a white backgroundT3 Awards 2022 Winner's Badge

Want a premium turf master? The Gtech CLM50 is a great choice.

(Image credit: Gtech)

3. Gtech CLM50

The best light cordless lawn mower for medium lawns

Specifications

Power: 48v
Deck size: 42cm
Cutting height: 30-80mm
Grass collector: 50L
Weight: 13.5kgs
Average run time: 40 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Cuts really well
+
Amazingly light
+
Variable speed motor
+
Excellent battery

Reasons to avoid

-
Handlebar height non adjustable

For a mower with a large 42cm cutting deck, the exceedingly good looking white Gtech CLM50 is one of the lightest (13kg) mowers in its category – so light you might think they’d forgotten to put a motor in it.

Unlike most lawn mowers, the Gtech CLM50 adopts a different type of blade. In fact, it’s half a blade with a counterweight on the other end. Made from carbon steel, this blade is said to be just as efficient while requiring less energy. All I know is that it cut my large test lawn supremely well, and right to the very edge of the border. It also produced finer cuttings than most other mowers I’ve tested.

The motor’s well worth a mention since it features automatic variable speed: in short to medium grass the blade rotates at a steady pace, but as soon as it feels the resistance of longer grass, it speeds up dramatically, cutting the offending fronds with effortless aplomb. I managed to eek just under 40 minutes of running time from the 48v battery, and it took just 60 minutes to charge.

Noise level is another major factor when purchasing any lawn mower and this model is one of the quietest on the market and the low growling sound it makes is quite different to other models. The handlebar uses quick-release latches like most other manufacturers and it can be folded into three for easy storage. However, the handlebar height can’t be adjusted and, as it stands, it feels almost too tall for this 5’6” lawn smith. Other features include a fixed battery key that can’t be lost, a battery power indicator that is visible at all times and a large 50-litre grass collector that clips on and off with consummate ease.

Verdict? If you have a medium-sized lawn and price isn’t an obstacle, then slap some readies down on this one because it’s one of the best cordless mowers we’ve tested. It’s super light, a doddle to manoeuvre and a good looker to boot.

The best ergonomic cordless lawn mower

Stihl RMA 339 C on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Stihl)

4. Stihl RMA 339 C

Best cordless lawn mower for ergonomics

Specifications

Power: 36v
Deck size: 37cm
Cutting height: 20-70mm
Grass collector: 40L
Weight: 16kgs
Average run time: 40 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Brilliant mono bar design
+
Superior performance
+
Stihl reliability
+
Folds in a thrice

Reasons to avoid

-
Not easy to assemble

Stihl swaggers onto the turf with a stupendous machine that looks like no other mower on the market. Instead of a standard two-strut handlebar that’s awkward to fold and a bit rickety, the RMA 339 comes with an unflinchingly solid mono bar that simply unlatches and folds over on itself. The bar can also be easily adjusted to two heights with a simple flick of a latch.

However, it’s not so much the folding aspect that makes this handlebar arrangement so unique, it’s the massive amount of free space it provides on the left hand side when it’s time to lift out the grass catcher. With other mowers, the act of removing the grass box involves two moves: one to unlatch the grass collector from between the handlebar and the other to reach around the back of the handlebar to pick it up. By contrast, with this model you simply lean down, unlatch the collector and pick it up. All in one tidy move. Another handy facet is that the top of all-plastic 40-litre grass collector can be unhinged to empty it all at once without having to shake it up and down.

From a mowing point of view – which is, after all, what you’re most interested in – the Stihl is a lawn virtuoso, cutting grass evenly and with little fuss, almost to the very edge. It’s pretty heavy but easy enough to manoeuvre and its wide 37cm cutting deck is a great size for medium sized lawns. The height adjuster is one of the best yet – just pull the handle out a few centimetres and lift or lower the cutting deck with little effort.

Like the Gtech above, this model also features automatic blade speed adjustment. This means that in standard-length grass the motor hums along at low revs, saving battery power in the process. But when it detects a section of long grass, it seems to almost double the power, scything through it like a knife through blancmange. As soon as it’s passed through, the motor reverts to its more sedate pace again. You can safely expect about 40 minutes of cutting time on a full charge.

As is the case with most Stihl products, this mower is available with or without a battery or charger – if you already own any Stihl products that already use the 36v system, you can simply hot swap between tools. For the well-heeled lawn smith looking for a reliable, efficient and superbly designed mower that’s a pleasure to use, this Teutonic model is about as impressive as it gets.

The best cordless lawn mower for battery

LawnMaster 24 Cordless Lawn Mower on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: LawnMaster)

5. LawnMaster 24V Lawn Mower

The best cordless lawn mower with two batteries

Specifications

Power: 24v
Deck size: 34cm
Cutting height: 20-70mm
Grass collector: 32L
Weight: 14kgs
Average run time: 120 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Long-lasting 120 mins run time
+
Sizeable 32L grass collection box
+
Comes with a rear roller
+
Six cutting heights

Reasons to avoid

-
It’s quite weighty

If you've got a smallish garden and want to maximise cordless bang for your buck, then the LawnMaster 24V Lawn Mower may be the system for you.

While its looks might not raise an eyebrow, the spec and runtime most definitely will, since this mower comes with not one but two 2.0Ah batteries. This gives you a total of 120 minutes of running time – enough to cover all but the largest of gardens. And the great thing is that, when one battery is in use, the other can be charged with the included charger, which can boost a battery back to full power in just 60 minutes.

In terms of cutting credentials, the LawnMaster certainly delivers the goods. It has a brushless motor and a 34cm blade that is perfectly sufficient for medium and smaller gardens (officially rated up to 300m2), while the included mulching plug is a handy addition for those who wish to inject some nitrogen back into the lawn. Also, its six different cutting heights – ranging from 20 to 70mm – means you have plenty of options to master the sward to your liking. Not bad at all.

The best self-propelling cordless lawn mower

best cordless lawn mower: Cobra MX51S80VT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Cobra)

6. Cobra MX51S80V

The best self-propulsion cordless lawn mower for large lawns

Specifications

Power: 80v
Deck size: 51cm
Cutting height: 25-75mm
Grass collector: 60L
Weight: 29kgs
Average run time: 90 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Perfect for large lawns
+
Exceptional 90 minute run time
+
Great build quality
+
Self propulsion
+
Multiple handlebar heights

Reasons to avoid

-
Self propulsion lever is a bit uncomfortable

This writer has been using this large 51cm cordless Cobra for the last three years and it’s been a beast in every respect. The Cobra MX51S80V is equipped with an 80-volt brushless motor and it runs on two 40v 5Ah Li-ion batteries that just seem to last forever. In fact, after every first complete mow of my 200m² lawn, both batteries still show full power with all eight LEDs alight. Combined, the batteries should provide up to 92 minutes of cutting on a full charge.

Like its petrol-based stablemate, the Cobra MX534SP, a fan-type mechanism attached to the blade helps fling grass cuttings towards the back of the large 60-litre grass collector so it fills up much more than most other mowers I’ve tested – and that means fewer trips to the compost bin. As a byproduct, the blade’s vortex fan system also sucks up garden leaves like a vacuum cleaner.

The Cobra MX51S80V is an exceptional cutter and powerful enough to scythe through even long damp grass without so much as a hiccup. Moreover, the motor speed increases automatically whenever the blade detects extra resistance. And for such a large model, it’s one of the quietest cordless models I’ve ever used. At 29 kilos, this mower isn’t light but the onboard single-speed self propulsion makes using it a breeze. That said, it doesn’t feel too unwieldy even when used without the self propulsion because it has nice big rubber wheels that help make it easy to push.

The Cobra MX51S80V has seven cutting heights (from 25-75mm) and comes with a mulching plug and a side chute. It also comes with both batteries and two fast chargers (about 60 minutes to charge from empty). The handlebar assembly, meanwhile, can be adjusted to a vast range of heights – from ultra tall to a profile that's low enough for even a gnome to comfortably use it. Granted, the propulsion lever is very springy so it’s a bit awkward to grip if you have weak hands but other than that minor niggle, I can’t think of a more efficient cordless model for large lawns up to and beyond 1,000m².

The best cordless lawn mower for urban lawns

Gardena PowerMax 32/36V P4A on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Gardena)

7. Gardena PowerMax 32/36V P4A

The best 32cm cordless lawn mower for urban lawns

Specifications

Power: 36v
Deck size: 32cm
Cutting height: 20-60mm
Grass collector: 30L
Weight: 9.3kgs
Average run time: 35 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Efficient cutting
+
Excellent height adjuster
+
Runs on two batteries

Reasons to avoid

-
Two batteries but only one charger

If you have a small urban lawn with an area of up to about 180 square metres and require a plucky little model that’s easy to use and very efficient, give this model a try. The Gardena PowerMax uses two 18v batteries that share compatibility with most Bosch cordless products. These batteries must be used in tandem. Unfortunately, Gardena only supplies one charger with the package so you will need to charge both batteries in succession, which is a bit of an inconvenience. You should get about 35 minutes of cutting time out of a full charge.

We’re always looking for innovation when reviewing lawn mowers since most models cut grass very well. In this instance it’s the cutting height adjuster. Instead of pulling a lever to raise or lower the deck, the PowerMax features a QuickFit knob that is really easy to use. Simply push down on the knob, turn the dial to your preferred cutting height and the whole chassis springs up or down through ten cutting height levels, from a lower-than average 20mm to 60mm.

The motor itself is of the brushless variety so you can expect decades-long reliability from it. Add a decent 30-litre grass collector, a mulching plug and a very comfortable handlebar, and you have one very decent little operator that performs remarkably well on any urban-sized lawn.

The best mid-range cordless lawn mower

GreenWorks Pro GD60LM46SPK4 on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: GreenWorks)

8. Greenworks Pro GD60LM46SPK4

A top-value self-propelled cordless mower for larger gardens

Specifications

Power: 60v
Deck size: 46cm
Cutting height: 25-80mm
Grass collector: 55L
Weight: 30.5kgs
Average run time: 26 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Good for large lawns
+
Self propulsion
+
Cool looks
+
Decent price

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the longest running time
-
Heavy

Looking for a large-bodied self-propelled cordless mower that doesn’t cost the Earth This lime green mean machine screams ‘buy me’, and for more reasons than just the way it looks, which is frankly fantastic.

Aside from boasting a durable 46cm steel cutting deck that’s perfect for lawns up to 600 square metres, the Greenworks Pro GD60LM46SPK4 is also equipped with variable-speed self propulsion, a long-life brushless motor, a single 60v 4Ah battery with charger, a mulching plug and side chute, and a 55-litre fabric grass collector.

The self propulsion speed is adjusted using a rocker throttle and the speed varies between a slow comfortable walking pace and a brisk march. In our test, it cut a swathe with effortless precision, never once bogging down, even when it hit a stretch of extra tall grass. The included mulching plug and clip-on side chute can be considered a bonus, especially if you’d rather have the cuttings flung back into the lawn to fertilise it.

The Greenworks’ seven cutting heights (from 25mm to 80mm) are effortless to adjust using the large lever on its right and its two-way folding handlebar system is very well designed and capable of being used at three different height positions.  Despite its size and weight (30.5kgs), the Greenworks Pro GD60LM46SPK4 is easy to store without taking up too much space – simply collapse the handlebar assembly and store it in an upright position. You should get up to about 26 minutes of mowing from the supplied 4Ah battery.

If you have a lawn in excess of 500 square metres and positively loathe mowing it, then this cool-looking lawn barber could be just the ticket to get you off your posterior and onto the turf.

The best cheap cordless lawn mower

Cobra MX3440V cordless lawn mower in red on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

9. Cobra MX3440V

The best budget-priced cordless lawn mower for urban lawns

Specifications

Power: 40v
Deck size: 34cm
Cutting height: 25-75mm
Grass collector: 35L
Weight: 16.3
Average run time: 30 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to manoeuvre
+
Effective cutting
+
Quiet motor

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for large lawns

Designed in the UK, this T3 Award-winning cordless Cobra is equipped with a small 34cm cutting deck and a 35-litre fabric grass collector, making it the perfect little mower for an average sized urban sward. Being so small and made almost entirely of plastic, it’s light enough to carry and a doddle to store. It’s also admirably quiet.

Despite using a brushed motor instead of a more expensive brushless one, this titchy mower really impressed us with its cutting efficiency, even in relatively long damp grass. We estimate about 30 minutes of use on a single one-hour charge of its battery – enough power to cover up to three separate sessions on a small 10m x 8m lawn. For added convenience, it has a battery power indicator just below the start button on the handlebar.

The Cobra sports five cutting heights (25mm to 75mm), a simple height adjustment lever and, for the price, a very good collapsible handlebar system that incorporates quick-release clips instead of awkward screw threads. This is a great value model that’s efficient, easy to manoeuvre and compact enough for easy storage.

We've got a great Cobra MX3440 vs Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li comparison feature that supplies even more detail about this top cordless lawn mower.

The best cordless lawn mower for small lawns

Bosch CityMower 18-300 cordless lawn mower on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Bosch)

10. Bosch CityMower 18-300

The best lightweight cordless mower for smaller lawns

Specifications

Power: 18v
Deck size: 34cm
Cutting height: 30-60mm
Grass collector: 31L
Weight: 9.9kgs
Average run time: 25 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Bosch build quality
+
Motor management
+
Hot swappable battery

Reasons to avoid

-
Styling on the bland side

The Bosch CityMower weighs just 9.9kg so it’s really easy to push around and carry between lawny sections. Crucially, it comes fitted with Bosch’s comfy Ergoflex handlebar system that is perfect for both righties and lefties.

For those with a typical urban lawn, this model passes much muster. Its height adjustable 34cm cutting deck and 31-litre grass collector are of optimum size for a 300 square metre lawn and, because it's fitted with extended grass combs, it also cuts right to edge of the lawn. And that means less edge trimming.

The Bosch CityMower also has a processor on board that ensures the blades maintain a constant speed through any length of grass, thereby allegedly increasing the 18v battery’s capacity by up to 20%. Even with that boost, the mower will run for about 25 minutes on a hour-one charge, which is about average for a mower of this size.

The CityMower cuts exceptionally well and is light enough for even the weakest knee’d lawn smith to push around and carry, and being a Bosch, you can be sure it’ll go on running for many summers.

The best budget cordless lawn mower

Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Einhell)

11. EINEHELL GE-CM 18/33 LI

The best keenly-priced Teutonic cordless cutter for small lawns

Specifications

Power: 18v
Deck size: 33cm
Cutting height: 25-65mm
Grass collector: 30L
Weight: 10.9kgs
Average run time: 30 mins

Reasons to buy

+
One of the cheapest you can buy
+
Comes with battery and charger
+
Brushless motor

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the prettiest mower in the shed
-
Some cheap materials used

German brand Einhell enters the swardsmanship market with a great budget-priced model that, while not the prettiest of lookers, does the job and does it well. This is a 33cm mower so consider it if you have a small lawn; at just 10.9 kgs, it’s also light to carry and easy to store.

The Einhell GE-CM 18/33 LI model comes with a battery and charger and is one of the cheapest ready-to-run models you can buy. It’s generally well designed and equipped with a brushless motor for unswerving reliability, a simple fold-over handle bar assembly for easy storage, and a three-setting height adjuster that takes the chassis from 25 to 65 mm – enough range for most types of common grasses.

If you’re not bothered by looks and just want a descent small-bodied mower that costs less than £200 complete with battery and charger, then you can’t really go wrong with this Einhell.

The best wide-bodied cordless lawn mower

Cobra MX4340V cordless lawn mower on white backgroundT3 Approved badge

(Image credit: Cobra)

12. Cobra MX4340V

The best keenly-priced wide-bodied cordless mower for medium lawns

Specifications

Power: 40v
Deck size: 43cm
Cutting height: 25-75mm
Grass collector: 50L
Weight: 18kgs
Average run time: 50 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent price
+
Big 43cm cutting deck
+
50-litre grass box
+
Great performer
+
Long running time

Reasons to avoid

-
Folding handlebar isn't very posh

Like small city cars vs large cars, bigger mowers tend to feel and look more luxurious. They are also likely to be equipped with fancy telescopic handlebar systems and slick cutting height adjusters. As a consequence, large-bodied mowers are also proportionately more expensive to buy than their smaller brethren. But what if you had a large suburban lawn and didn’t want to spend a fortune on a cordless mower big enough to handle it?

Enter this great-value wide-bodied stablemate to the T3 award-winning MX3440V reviewed above. The Cobra MX4340V has a wide 43cm (17-inch) cutting deck, 50-litre fabric grass collector and a brushless motor that are all on a par with premium-priced models like the Gtech and Greenworks. However, this model costs almost half the price, complete with 40v 5Ah battery and charger. Uniquely, it even has a battery power indicator on the handlebar assembly to let you know how much juice is left. And speaking of juice, you should get up to 50 minutes of running time out of it which is exemplary for a mower of these dimensions.

Yes, the folding handlebar system isn't as sturdy or as posh looking as some of the more expensive models but, guys, it’s a mower not a status symbol. 

Why cordless lawn mowers are the best lawn mowers

For most lawns men (lawns persons?), we'd always recommend a cordless mower such as the ones listed above. 

That's because there are few less compatible duos than a 240-volt electric cable and a fast-spinning blade, and with UK garden sizes ever shrinking, petrol mowers are just totally OTT for most people, especially in cities. We estimate that the whole cordless mowing process from getting it out of the shed to finishing the job is almost twice as fast as when using a corded model.

However, some cordless models may struggle in extra long grass so best avoid tackling any untamed pastures (we’re talking really long grass here, the sort that hasn’t seen a lawnmower in months). If cutting grass that's about six inches long, fear not if your cordless model cuts it unevenly, leaving chunks of flattened grass in its wake. This is normal for any mower doing its first cut of the season. The secret is to set the cutting deck to the highest setting and tilt the mower back in long grass so the blade doesn’t bog down. Once you’ve completed one pass, run over the lawn again in the opposite direction or, better still, leave it after the first cut and return a day later for its second cut. Then gradually lower the cutting deck for subsequent sessions until it looks like a golf course fairway. At least that’s the theory.

Cordless mowers' lithium-Ion batteries are relatively quick to charge and provide between 25 and 60 minutes of hassle-free mowing, which is plenty long enough to completely cut an average UK garden.

Stihl RMS 443 VC review

T3.com's former Deputy Editor Robert Jones reviewing the Stihl RMS 443 VC cordless lawn mower.

(Image credit: Future)

How we test the best cordless lawn mowers

A good example of how T3 performs hands-on testing of cordless lawn mowers can be seen in our Stihl RMA 443 VC review. We have a clear methodology when reviewing products and mowers are no exception, with us first assembling and then using wireless lawn mowers to actually cut grass ourselves in a real world environment.

Take the Stihl RMA 443 VC coverage as an example. In the picture above, Deputy Editor of T3 (and budding gardener) Robert Jones is shown in videos and pictures actually using the mower. He also provides his personal, hands-on experience with the mower, talking through his findings in terms of design and build quality as well as performance and features.

We don't just rely on what a manufacturer says about their product – we test cordless lawn mowers ourselves, looking out for key signs of quality. If a mower misses the mark, we'll let you know, while if it slays sward like a pro then you'll know. The best mowers on the market end up in T3's best cordless lawn mowers buying guide.

Derek Adams

Derek (aka Delbert, Delvis, Delphinium, Delboy etc) specialises in home and outdoor wares, from coffee machines, white appliances and vacs to drones, garden gear and BBQs. He has been writing for more years than anyone can remember, starting at the legendary Time Out magazine – the original, London version – on a typewriter! He now writes for T3 between playing drums with his bandmates in Red Box (redboxmusic). 

With contributions from