Greenworks vs Ryobi Lawn Mower: Which Cuts Better in 2025?

If you’re comparing Greenworks vs Ryobi lawn mower options in 2025, here’s the quick answer: Greenworks cuts thicker grass better with stronger power and smarter self-propel features, while Ryobi is quieter, lighter, and easier to handle in smaller yards.

 I’ve used both in real-life conditions—from wet spring mornings to dry summer weekends—and each has its strengths. As someone who’s ditched gas mowers for good, I’ve tested these side-by-side to help you make the right choice. Let’s walk through the details so you can choose the best electric lawn mower for your yard—without second-guessing later.

Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Review

This mower caught my eye when I was searching for a quiet, cordless, and hassle-free option that could actually handle thick grass without quitting halfway.

Is the Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Worth It?

I was struggling every weekend with my old gas mower. The pull cord? A workout on its own. The noise? My toddler hated it. Then I tried the Greenworks 60V self-propelled lawn mower—and it felt like switching from a flip phone to a smartphone.

The first thing I noticed? It was quiet, light, and cut like a pro. I didn’t expect a battery mower to handle my thick backyard, but this one made clean, even passes. It felt like the machine just knew what I needed.

What I Like

• Whisper-quiet motor – I can mow early mornings without disturbing anyone. It’s quieter than my neighbor’s electric trimmer.
  
• Push-button start – No more yanking cords. It starts in a second.
  
• Dual battery ports – I use two 5.0Ah batteries and mow my whole 1/3 acre yard without breaks.
  
• Smart pace self-propel – It adjusts to how fast I walk. No jerks, no lags.
  
• Mulching, bagging, and side discharge – All options included. I usually mulch, and it leaves no clumps.
  
• Lightweight design – Easy to turn, even on slopes. It’s like pushing a stroller compared to my old gas beast.
  

What Could Be Better

• Battery recharge time – Even with the rapid charger, it takes around 40–45 minutes. Not bad, but not instant either.
  
• Wet grass mowing – It can slow down a bit in very wet patches. I just avoid cutting right after rain.
  
• Storage height – Though it folds up nicely, it’s a bit tall when standing vertically in my shed.

My Personal Experience

I mow twice a week during summer. The Greenworks 60V handles my St. Augustine grass like a champ. I switch between bagging and mulching depending on the season, and it does both cleanly.

Last week, my brother borrowed it for his front yard. He called me after and said, “Why didn’t you tell me it was this smooth?” My neighbor also asked what mower I was using—she thought I’d hired someone because the lawn looked that good.

Another moment? I had surgery recently and couldn’t push heavy machines. But this mower is so light and self-propelled that even during recovery, I could guide it slowly and still get the job done.

Recommendation

This mower is perfect for:

• Homeowners who want a quiet, clean-cut lawn without gas, fumes, or stress.
  
• People tired of pull cords and maintenance—this thing is practically plug-and-play.
  
• Seniors or those with back pain—it’s lightweight and pushes itself.
  

If you have a very large yard (over half an acre), you might need an extra set of batteries or consider the Greenworks 60V 25-inch mower, which covers more ground faster.

Ryobi 20-Inch 40-Volt Lawn Mower (Self-Propelled) Review

If you’re thinking about switching to electric lawn care, this Ryobi 40V mower might catch your eye. It’s lightweight, cordless, and promises quiet power—but does it really deliver in real yards?

Is the Ryobi 20-Inch 40-Volt Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Any Good?

I was struggling with a heavy old gas mower that left me sore and frustrated every weekend. The pull cord alone was a workout. That’s when I decided to try the Ryobi 20-inch 40-volt self-propelled lawn mower. Right from the first mow, I felt the difference—lighter, quieter, and way less effort. It doesn’t roar like a gas mower. Instead, it hums like a quiet helper, gliding through the grass.

What I Like

• Effortless Push: The self-propelled drive takes most of the strain off. It almost feels like it’s pulling you along, especially on uphill spots.
  
• No Gas or Fumes: Being electric, there’s no mess, no smell, and no maintenance like oil changes or spark plugs.
  
• Battery Efficiency: The Ryobi 40V battery lasts long enough to handle my medium-sized yard (about ¼ acre) on one charge.
  
• Brushless Motor: The brushless design gives it a boost in power and efficiency—less noise, more lifespan.
  
• 3-in-1 Feature: I like having the option to mulch, bag, or side-discharge depending on the day.
  
• Quick Storage: The handles fold flat, and I can store it vertically. Great if you’re tight on garage space.
  

What Could Be Better

• Works Best on Regular Grass: It struggles a bit in very tall or thick grass. I usually do a quick double pass in those areas.
  
• Not Ideal for Huge Lawns: If you have a yard bigger than ½ acre, you might need a second battery or a riding mower instead.
  
• Speed Adjustment: The self-propel speed is decent, but I wish it had more control for a slower pace around flower beds.
  

My Personal Experience

I’ve used this mower for over a year, and it’s become part of my Saturday morning routine. I charge the battery overnight, clip it in, and it starts with a push of a button—no yanking cords or messing with gas.

One time after a rain, I waited a day and went over slightly wet grass. Surprisingly, it didn’t bog down. Another time, I mulched leaves in early fall, and it handled them pretty well without clogging. My neighbor even commented on how clean my lawn looked.

Another thing: I used to dread mowing in summer heat. But with this Ryobi mower being so light and quiet, it feels more like a walk than a chore.

Recommendation

If you’re a homeowner with a small to mid-sized yard and want something easy, clean, and quiet, this Ryobi 40V self-propelled mower could be perfect. It’s great for people tired of gas hassle or anyone switching to a cordless lawn care setup.

However, if your yard is very large or uneven, or you mow infrequently (tall grass), you might want to look into the Ryobi 40V 21-inch model or even consider a Ryobi electric riding mower.

Still, for most people looking to go green and save time, this 20-inch Ryobi hits the sweet spot. Think of it like having a friendly helper that never complains, just quietly gets the job done.

Ryobi 20-Inch 40V Self-Propelled vs Ryobi 40V 21-Inch 3-in-1 Mower

Let me break this down like I would for a neighbor asking, “Hey, which Ryobi mower should I get?” I’ve used both in my yard, and here’s how they stack up side-by-side.

Cutting Power & Performance

I first noticed the difference in power when mowing thick spring grass. The 20-inch mower felt smooth and quiet but sometimes hesitated on denser patches. On the other hand, the 21-inch 3-in-1 model sliced through the same areas like a champ—no bogging down. It just kept going.

Winner: 21-Inch 3-in-1
It edges ahead with stronger performance and more grass-handling options.

Ease of Use & Comfort

Let’s be honest—nobody wants to wrestle with a mower. The 20-inch model feels lighter and easier to maneuver in tight corners. I found it perfect for smaller or oddly shaped yards. The 21-inch mower has more features but felt bulkier, especially around flower beds.

Winner: 20-Inch 40V
Great for comfort and control—especially if you’re mowing tight spaces.

 Battery Life & Runtime

This is where things surprised me. I expected the larger mower to drain the battery faster, but thanks to smart load-sensing tech, the 21-inch model actually lasted a bit longer on a full charge. I was able to cut my entire quarter-acre without swapping batteries.

Winner: 21-Inch 3-in-1
A slightly longer runtime makes a real difference when you don’t want to pause mid-mow.

My Rating

Greenworks 60V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower:4.6 out of 5

Ryobi 20 Inch 40-Volt Self-Propelled Lawn Mower:4.5 out of 5

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who values quiet mowing, easy battery swaps, and a smooth self-propel system, Greenworks is honestly a breath of fresh air. I’ve used it on my uneven yard, and it handled the bumps like a champ—no wrist strain, no loud noise. That said, if you’re chasing raw power or mowing a huge lawn with thick, wet grass, you might want to check out something a bit more heavy-duty. From my hands-on time, this mower made weekend mowing feel less like a chore and more like a stroll through the yard.

 FAQ (Greenworks vs Ryobi Lawn Mower)

Q1. Which is better: Greenworks or Ryobi lawn mower?
A: Greenworks cuts thicker grass better. Ryobi feels smoother when pushing. I prefer Greenworks for big yards.

Q2. Are Greenworks electric mowers more powerful than Ryobi?
A: Yes. Greenworks mowers have stronger motors. They don’t slow down in tall grass like Ryobi sometimes does.

Q3. Which battery lasts longer: Ryobi or Greenworks?
A: Greenworks 40V batteries last longer in my yard. I mow more without swapping.

Q4. Is Ryobi a better choice for small lawns?
A: Yes. Ryobi mowers feel lighter and are easier to move in small spaces.

Q5. Do Greenworks mowers handle wet grass better than Ryobi?
A: In my test, yes. Greenworks had fewer clogs and cleaner cuts in damp spots.

Q6. Which one is quieter: Ryobi or Greenworks?
A: Ryobi is a bit quieter. It makes a softer sound and feels smoother too.

Q7. Are Greenworks 40V and Ryobi 40V batteries interchangeable?
A: No. Each brand has its own battery design. You can’t use them across tools.

Q8. Which brand has more yard tools: Ryobi or Greenworks?
A: Ryobi wins here. They offer more tools that use the same 40V battery.

Q9. Which mower is better for hilly yards?
A: I found Greenworks gives better traction uphill. Ryobi slips more on slopes.

Q10. Are Ryobi or Greenworks lawn mowers better for first-time buyers?
A: Ryobi is easier for beginners. But Greenworks gives better long-term power.