The best lawn mowers of 2025: Expert picks

Since there are so many different types of mowers on the market, each with its own best use scenario, I chose the Cub Cadet XT1 Enduro LT as the best riding mower for its 46-inch cutting deck and hydrostatic transmission for easier driving. The Toro TimeCutter Max was my choice for the best zero-turn mower for its 54-inch cutting deck and 5 acre maximum yard size. And if you’re looking for a push mower, the DeWalt 2x20V Max offers a 100-minute run time and a 21-inch cutting width.

No two yards are exactly the same, so what works best for your neighbor might not be the best choice for your lawn. Riding mowers are best suited for yards measuring 1 acre and larger, offering larger cutting decks for quickly handling larger properties. Zero-turn models are perfect for maneuvering around trees and other landscaping, while walk-behind and push mowers are better for smaller yards. A rear-engine mower is a less common choice, but is great for yards just a touch too large for a push mower, but not quite large enough to justify buying a full-size lawn tractor.

Before you head off to buy yourself a new lawn mower, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Cutting width: Nobody wants to spend hours mowing the lawn, then they don’t have to. Your mower’s cutting deck width goes a long way toward keeping your mowing times reasonable. The wider the deck, the more you can mow in a single pass. Most full-size lawn tractors have 42 and 46-inch deck options, which are perfectly fine for most lawns. However, you can find cutting deck sizes up to 72 inches on commercial-grade equipment.
• Power source: While gas mowers are much more common, and are often less expensive than their battery-powered counterparts, they mean you have to perform regular maintenance like oil changes and parts replacement, which can add up as time passes. Battery mowers have higher retail prices, but make up for it in maintenance costs, as electric motors don’t require maintenance like gas engines do.
• Yard size/terrain type: It’s best to know at least a ballpark number for how big your yard is before you go shopping for a new mower. With so many brands and models to choose from, even as someone who used to build these things, it can be overwhelming. If you have a yard that’s about a quarter acre or less and flat, get a push mower. Get a riding model if you have a larger yard or it’s very hilly.

While testing and researching each mower on this list, other ZDNET experts and I kept these criteria in mind:

• Comfort: You’re going to be spending a lot of time using a lawn mower, so having a comfortable, ergonomic design is key to avoiding a lot of literal pain and frustration down the line. I make sure that the seats on riding models have proper support for your hips and back, as well as shock absorption. For push mowers, I check that the handles offer a comfortable grip and easy-to-reach controls.
• Ease of use: Many mowers need at least a little assembly if you order one delivered to your house, so I ensure that any included instructions are easy to understand and follow for proper assembly. I also make sure that controls for starting and stopping, engaging the cutting blades, and key safety features are in easy reach for on-the-go adjustments and emergency stopping.
• Safety features: Mowing can be dangerous, and it’s important to ensure that all safety features work properly to keep you from getting hurt, or worse. Many mowers will kill the engine if you reverse with the blades engaged, while some have a safety override for quickly cleaning up missed patches. Riding mowers have a kill switch for the mower if you get out of the seat while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged. Push mowers require you to hold a specific lever to engage the blades while the engine is running, so that the blades quickly stop if you trip and fall.