Toro, EGO, and Honda are widely considered the top lawn mower brands in the U.S., each leading a different category — Toro for overall gas mowers, EGO for battery-powered models, and Honda for premium gas cut quality.
Choosing a mower brand means matching your yard’s size and your priorities — runtime, cut quality, or budget — to a manufacturer that consistently delivers on that front. Across multiple expert roundups and thousands of owner reviews, three names rise above the rest for U.S. homeowners, each with a clear strength.
Toro: The Most Consistent All-Around Brand
Toro appears most often at or near the top of expert rankings. The Toro 21-Inch Super Recycler Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower earned “Best Overall Gas” in one major roundup, while the Toro 21in 60V MAX Super Recycler scored 90 out of 100 in another test — the highest overall rating. At roughly $650, that battery model combines a personal pace self-propel system with a recycler cutting deck that mulches leaves as effectively as it cuts grass. Toro’s broad dealer network and widely available parts make service support easier than niche brands.
For most suburban homeowners, a Toro gas or battery model balances cut quality, reliability, and price better than any single competitor. The Toro Recycler 22in Gas at about $400 gives you the same core cutting technology without the self-propel feature — a strong entry point for smaller flat lawns.
EGO: The Best Battery Brand for Runtime and Power
If you’re ready to leave gas behind, EGO is the most consistent battery-first contender. The Ego Power+ 21-Inch Select Cut XP Electric Lawn Mower was named “Best Overall Electric” in one roundup, and the Ego Power+ Select Cut 22in scored 89 out of 100 — second only to Toro’s top battery model — at approximately $600. The battery platform supports a full lineup of yard tools using the same power cells, and EGO’s 56-volt arc-lithium batteries are known for outlasting competitors on a single charge.
Reviewed.com specifically calls out runtime as the EGO Select Cut’s strength: it can finish an average suburban lawn on one battery charge, where some competitors need a second battery swap. That runtime advantage, combined with variable speed self-propel and a dual-blade cutting system, makes it the battery pick for anyone with a medium to large lawn who doesn’t want to manage gas.
Honda: The Gas Mower for Cut Quality and Longevity
Honda has been the reference gas engine for decades for a reason. The Honda HRX217 and HRX-BE models consistently top “best gas mower” lists, with the HRX217 earning an 87 out of 100 overall score at roughly $750. Honda’s MicroCut twin-blade system pulverizes clippings finer than most competitors, and the GCV-series engines start reliably season after season. The trade-off is price: Honda gas mowers cost more than comparable Toro or Craftsman models, but owners frequently report 10-15 years of service from them.
The Honda HRR216K9VKA (a more affordable manual-start version) was named the best manual mower in one tested review, while the HRX-BE with blade-stop and electric-start is recommended for medium to large lawns where premium cut quality and self-propel comfort matter more than upfront savings. A Honda is the right brand if you want the best gas mower and plan to keep it longer than a typical 5-year ownership cycle.
Budget and Value Alternatives
Not every good mower buyer needs a $750 Honda. Craftsman is a solid budget gas option: the Craftsman M110 21-Inch Push Lawn Mower was named “Best Budget” in one roundup, offering gas power at roughly half the price of premium models. On the battery side, Greenworks appears consistently as a value alternative. The Greenworks 80V 21in scored 81 out of 100 at roughly $400, and the Greenworks 40V 16″ is often the overall pick for most suburban homeowners with over 11,800 positive reviews and regular discounts around 31% off. For those with very small lawns or who want a workout, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 push reel mower costs under $90 and has over 22,000 ratings — a legitimate budget pick that requires no fuel, batteries, or maintenance beyond blade sharpening.
If you’re comparing models head-to-head across these brands, our tested roundup of the best lawn mowers breaks down each model’s real-world cut quality, runtime, and value — with specific price comparisons and lawn-size recommendations for every pick.
FAQs
Which brand lasts the longest?
Honda gas mowers are most frequently reported to last 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance, while Toro and EGO battery models typically last 5 to 8 years before batteries need replacement. Honda’s engine reliability and parts availability give it a longevity edge over gas competitors.
Is EGO better than Toro for battery mowers?
It depends on priorities. Toro’s 60V Super Recycler scored higher overall (90 vs. 89) and offers better mulching, especially with leaves. EGO’s Select Cut has a longer runtime on one charge and a broader tool platform. If cut quality matters more, choose Toro; if runtime and tool-sharing matter more, choose EGO.
Are Greenworks mowers good, or just cheap?
Greenworks mowers are good value, not just cheap. The Greenworks 80V 21in scored 81 out of 100 in a tested comparison — competitive with premium brands at a lower price. The 40V 16″ model has over 11,800 positive reviews and is routinely cited as the best pick for average suburban lawns, especially at its sale price.
References & Sources
- Popular Mechanics. “Best Lawn Mower Reviews.” Named Toro Super Recycler “Best Overall Gas” and EGO Select Cut XP “Best Overall Electric.”
- Bob Vila. “Best Lawn Mower Review.” Rated Toro 60V MAX #1 overall with score of 90; listed comparative pricing for top models.
- Reviewed.com (USA Today). “The Best Lawn Mowers.” Named EGO LM2142SP “Best Overall” and Greenworks 80V “Best Value”; provided detailed use-case recommendations.
