The best push mowers of 2025: Expert picks from Cub Cadet, Makita, and more

April 25, 2025 admin

We’re well into Spring, which means it’s time to start prepping your lawn for Summer gatherings with friends and family. Just like riding mowers, the right push mower can make all the difference in how you care for your lawn, with both gas and battery-powered options, self-propelled models, and multiple configurations for mulching and bagging. Brands like Toro, Cub Cadet, and DeWalt have options for yards as small as a quarter of an acre all the way up to one full acre.

Also: The best lawn mowers of 2025

What is the best push mower right now?

I chose the DeWalt 2x20V Max as the best push mower on the market. With up to a 90-minute run time while using both batteries or 45 minutes on a single one, adjustable self-propelled speed, and included grass bag. If you’re looking for something more budget friendly, the Murray 20-inch push mower retails for under $300. You can keep reading below to find out more about the DeWalt 2x20V Max, Murray 20-inch mower, and my other picks for the best push mowers.

The best push mowers of 2025

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The DeWalt 2x20V Max is a great battery-powered and self-propelled lawn mower that’s lightweight, easy to assemble, and even easier to use.

Why we like it: Last mowing season, DeWalt sent me the 2x20V Max to test, and it has all but replaced my Husqvarna riding mower. With dual 20V batteries, I can get up to 90 minutes of mowing time if I use both batteries. Or if I just use one, about an hour. And the adjustable pace of the self-propelled feature is nice for saving both battery life and my lungs because I don’t have to jog to keep up with it. It also comes with an attachable bag for easy clean-up of clippings.

Who it’s for: If you’ve got a yard thats about a half acre or less, and you don’t want to mess with mixing two-cycle oil for a gas push mower, the DeWalt 2x20V Max is a great choice. You can use either one or both batteries, so you can keep one on the charger while mowing with the other for continuous use.

Who should look elsewhere: If you’ve got a bigger yard, you might want to think about springing for a rear-engine “mini” riding lawn mower or even a full-sized lawn tractor to help cut down on mowing time.

DeWalt 2x20V Max features – Cutting width: 21 inches | Power source: Battery | Form factor: Self-propelled push mower | Engine size: N/A | Maximum yard size: 0.5 acre

A DeWalt 60V Max electric push mower next to an elm tree

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Why we like it: Ego Power+ has made a name for itself in the battery-powered lawn equipment market with its high-quality tools. And the 600 Series electric push mower is no exception. With up to an hour of mow time on a single battery, 7 cutting heights, and 3 functions in one tool (cutting, mulching, bagging).

Who it’s for: If you’re looking to save a bit of money switching from gas equipment to electric, or looking to buy your first mower and want a high-quality model that isn’t going to require an entire weekend to learn how to use.

Who should look elsewhere: If you need a wider cutting deck for a larger lawn, you might want to check out full-sized riding mowers or even a zero-turn if you have lots of landscaping to mow around.

Ego Power+ 600 Series features – Cutting width: 21 inches | Power source: Battery | Form factor: Electric push mower | Engine size: N/A | Maximum yard size: 0.5 acres

An Ego Power+ 600 Series push mower on a grey background

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We’re all familiar with the typical gas-powered push mower, but technology has come a long way since your dad’s time. With a self-propelled feature, you can spend less time wrestling with your mower to get the yard done and more time doing what you’d actually like to do.

Why we like it: The 11-inch rear wheels make it easier to navigate uneven terrain, and the included grass bag makes cleaning up easier and holds 1.9 bushels of clippings so you don’t have to stop as often to empty it. You can also choose to have a side-discharge or mulching setup depending on how you like to care for your lawn.

Who it’s for: Since the gas tank on this mower is so small, it’s really best suited for lawns no larger than a quarter of an acre. And if you’re already using Cub Cadet gas lawn equipment, it will fit in perfectly with your existing lawn care arsenal.

Who should look elsewhere: Gas push mowers can be finicky, so if you don’t want to mess with mixing two-cycle oil or your local laws limit fossil fuel emissions, you might want to consider a battery-powered push mower.

Cub Cadet Signature SCP100 features – Cutting width: 21 inches | Power source: Gasoline | Form factor: Gas push mower | Engine size: 163cc | Maximum yard size: 0.25 acres

A Cub Cadet SCP100 Signature series gas push mower on a grey background

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Push mowers are one of those things you can spend as much or as little as you want. And if you’re looking for a solid, budget-friendly model, the Murray 20-inch push mower is a great choice.

Why we like it: While it won’t blow you away with cool features, the Murray gas push mower gives you a 20-inch cutting width and 5 different cutting heights to help keep your lawn under control all season long. And for about $250, even if you need an emergency replacement for your current mower, you can’t hardly beat the price.

Who it’s for: If you’re buying your first push mower or have a very small lawn, you can get a lot of use out of the Murray 20-inch push mower. Ideal for lawns up to half an acre with simple controls and easy pull-cord start.

Who should look elsewhere: If you’re more experienced with push mowers, you’ll want to invest in a more robust model with more features like self-propelled movement or battery power.

Murray 20-inch pus mower features – Cutting width: 20 inches | Power source: Gasoline | Form factor: Gas push mower | Engine size: 125cc | Maximum yard size: 0.5 acres

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Self-propelled push mowers have become more and more popular over the years as people look for ways to make caring for their lawn easier. And the Toro Recycler Max allows you to set the pace to match your natural walking speed.

Why we like it: With a 22-inch cutting deck, it’s slightly larger than other push mower models, allowing you to make fewer passes, saving you more time on lawn care. A specially designed suspension system helps reduce shocks and bumps that can cause fatigue and pain in your wrists and hands. And you can choose between regular mowing with side-discharge, mulching, or bagging configurations to fit your lawn care needs.

Who it’s for: The Toro Recycler Max is rated for lawns up to 1 acre, which is good news for anyone with a larger suburban lawn and doesn’t have the space to store and maintain a full-sized lawn mower. The Recycler Max easily folds and hangs to save space in garages and storage sheds.

Who should look elsewhere: While this self-propelled lawn mower is rated for up to 1 acre lawns, if your yard has a lot of landscaping or uneven terrain, you might want to consider a rear-engine mini rider or even a full-sized tractor to prevent twisting ankles and other injuries.

Toro Recycler Max features – Cutting width: 22 inches | Power source: Gasoline | Form factor: Self-propelled gas push mower | Engine size: 163cc | Maximum yard size: 1 acre

A Toro Recycler Max push mower on a grey background

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Latest news on push mowers

While gas-powered models are still dominating the market, battery-powered push mowers are gaining popularity as people look for more eco-friendly ways to care for their lawns. Even old-school reel style mowers are making a bit of a comeback because they don’t use any gas or electricity, making them some of the most carbon neutral options available.

What are the tariffs in the U.S.?

The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and string trimmers may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.

Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know

Lawn equipment, which many brands use parts that are manufactured in these nations, may experience price increases of up to 20%, making them less affordable for consumers. Manufacturers contemplate relocating assembly operations to countries with tariff exemptions, but such moves involve logistical challenges and substantial costs. Companies like Stanley/Black+Decker, which source many of their engines and electrical parts from China may be greatly affected as tariffs fluctuate, causing disruptions in the supply chain.

Overall, consumers should brace for higher prices and potential shifts in product availability within the home entertainment market.

Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it’s always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.

Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech – but not for long

I chose the DeWalt 2x20V Max as the best push mower for its double-battery power, 90-minute run time, and ability to switch between side-discharge, mulching, and bagging configurations. The 21-inch cutting width and adjustable self-propelled speed make quick work of lawns up to half an acre.

Best push mower	Price	Power source	Cutting width
DeWalt 2x20V Max	$650	Battery	21 inches
Ego Power+ 600 Series	$400	Battery	21 inches
Cub Cadet Signature SCP100	$400	Gas	21 inches
Murray 20-inch push mower	$250	Gas	20 inches
Toro Recycler Max	$550	Gas	22 inches

Just like with full-sized riding mowers, it can be hard to nail down exactly what you need for your yard while shopping for a new push mower. Make sure you pay close attention to the maximum yard size rating and power source so you’re not overspending on features you won’t use or end up with a model that won’t last more than a single season.

Buy this best push mower…	If you need…
DeWalt 2x20V Max	A well-rounded, battery-powered push mower with a 21-inch cutting deck, one hour run time, and bagging/mulching capabilities.
Ego Power+ 600 Series	A high-quality, battery-powered lawn mower for lawns up to half an acre.
Cub Cadet SCP100	A gas-powered push mower with mulching and bagging capabilities and a self-propelled feature.
Murray 20-inch push mower	A budget-friendly push mower with a 20-inch cutting deck for lawns up to half an acre.
Toro Recycler Max	A high-quality self-propelled push mower for lawns up to 1 acre.

With so many options to choose from, picking out a new push mower for your lawn care arsenal can feel overwhelming. So here are a few things to keep in mind while you narrow down your options:

Price: Knowing your budget before you start looking not only helps keep you from overspending in general, but also helps you find the best balance between price and features. Two mower models may have the same price, but one may have extra features you won’t use or conversely, not have everything you need to properly care for your yard.

Cutting width: The wider the deck, the fewer passes you must make to finish mowing your lawn. While the vast majority of push mowers have a 21-inch cutting deck, 20—or 22-inch models are available to suit smaller or larger spaces.

Power source: Gas engines are still the most popular option for push mowers, but they require yearly maintenance and frequent fueling, which can get pricey as the summer stretches on and gas prices rise as folks travel more. Battery-powered options are more expensive, but they save you money in the long run.

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

Comfort and ease-of-use: You’re going to be spending a lot of time using your new push mower, and that can become a hassle very quickly if the model you chose doesn’t have an ergonomic design or suspension system to help reduce vibrations and shocks. Controls should be easy to understand and within easy reach for quick adjustments on-the-fly or emergency stopping.

New features: Brands like to do yearly refreshes of popular models, offering new features like self-propelled movement, battery power, and more cutting configurations. Some even offer larger motors and gas tanks/batteries for longer run times or wider cutting decks for quicker mowing.

Storage and maintenance: A push mower needs to be stored properly in order to keep it in good running order season after season. Every mower on this list was chosen for its ability to fold, hang, or otherwise be easily stored during the off-season and in between cuttings.

It’s all in the name. A push mower cannot move forward under its own power and requires a person to actually, well, push it in order to make a complete pass. Self-propelled models act more like cars, with rear-wheel drive and adjustable speeds. Self-propelled models are popular because they take less effort to use, which means you won’t be as worn out when you’re done mowing your lawn.

While there is no hard and fast rule for how long a push mower should last you, it’s not unreasonable to expect to get at least five years out of a solid model. But with regular maintenance, cleaning, and proper storage, you could squeeze up to 10 mowing seasons out of your push mower.

Latest updates

We tested the DeWalt 2x20V in 2024 and added it as our best overall pick for push mowers. We also chose an all-new set of other options to help you find the right fit for your lawn.

More push mowers to consider

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Manual reel mowers are making a bit of a comeback as people look for more eco- and budget-friendly ways to care for their lawn. The 5-blade, 16-inch barrel has four adjustable cutting heights and a lightweight design for easier use.

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One of the biggest names in power tools also has an excellent battery-powered push mower. The LXT uses two 18V batteries for up to 40 minutes of run time and comes packaged with two additional batteries for continuous use.