Cordless vs Electric Lawn Mowers in 2026: Key Differences
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You are comparing a cordless vs electric lawn mower in 2026. Both tools cut grass without a gas engine, but they differ in power architecture and design. The Greenworks uses a single 40V battery system with a push drive, while the MZK relies on two 20V batteries and a brushless motor. These specs change how you handle the machine and how long it runs. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you choose.
Key differences
| Aspect | Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower | MZK 13-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 40V | 20V (dual-battery) |
| Cutting Width | 16 in | 13 in |
| Drive Type | Push | not listed |
| Motor Type | not listed | Brushless |
| Battery Capacity | 4.0 Ah | 2×4.0Ah |
| Mowing Function | Mulch and rear bag | Bag |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower if
- You need a wider cutting deck to cover more ground per pass.
- You prefer a single-battery system for simpler storage.
- You want mulching capabilities in addition to bagging.
Choose MZK 13-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower if
- You prioritize a lightweight mower that is easy to lift and store.
- You want a brushless motor for potentially longer tool life.
- You prefer having two batteries for extended runtime or quick swaps.
Verdict: The Greenworks offers a wider cut and mulching option, making it better for slightly larger or varied lawns. The MZK is significantly lighter and features a brushless motor, which suits those prioritizing ease of handling and maintenance. Your choice depends on whether you value cutting width or weight and motor technology.
Cordless vs Electric Mower Specs
Voltage System
The Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower operates on a single 40V battery platform. This higher voltage typically supports more robust motor performance for thicker grass. In contrast, the MZK 13-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower uses a 20V system powered by two 4.0Ah batteries. While the MZK combines two lower-voltage units, the Greenworks relies on a single higher-voltage source. You should consider whether your existing toolkit matches one brand or if you need a dedicated system for this specific task.
Cutting Width
Deck size directly impacts how many passes you need to cover your lawn. The Greenworks features a 16-inch cutting deck, which is three inches wider than the MZK. The MZK offers a 13-inch cutting width. A wider deck allows you to cover more ground in less time, making the Greenworks potentially faster for larger areas. The MZK’s narrower deck may be easier to maneuver around tight obstacles or small garden beds, but it requires more overlapping passes.
Drive Type
How the mower moves across the ground affects your physical effort. The Greenworks is a push mower, meaning you must provide all the forward momentum. It weighs 37.5 pounds, which is noted as 35% lighter than steel deck mowers. The MZK is also a push model, weighing only 13 pounds. The MZK is significantly lighter, making it much easier to lift, carry, or store. If you have stairs or limited storage space, the MZK’s low weight is a practical advantage.
Battery Capacity
Runtime depends on how much energy is stored in the batteries. The Greenworks includes a single 4.0Ah battery. The MZK includes two 4.0Ah batteries, totaling 8.0Ah of capacity across the system. The MZK claims up to 30 minutes of runtime on a full charge. The Greenworks states it can cut up to one-third of an acre on a full charge, though this varies by grass conditions. The MZK allows you to swap batteries to reduce downtime, while the Greenworks relies on its single unit.
Mowing Function
You need to decide how you want to handle grass clippings. The Greenworks offers a 2-in-1 system that supports both mulching and rear bagging. This gives you flexibility to recycle nutrients back into the lawn or collect clippings. The MZK is listed with a bagging function only, including a 30L (8-gallon) removable rear bag. It does not mention mulching capabilities in the provided data. If you prefer to leave clippings on the lawn for natural fertilization, the Greenworks provides that option.
Which Cordless Mower Fits Your Lawn
Small yard owners needing lightweight gear
The MZK weighs only 13 pounds, making it easy to carry and store. Its 13-inch cutting width suits tight spaces. The dual-battery system offers 30 minutes of runtime. You get two 4.0Ah batteries and a charger in the box. The brushless motor provides consistent power. This setup is ideal for small lawns where maneuverability matters most.
Users with larger lawns up to a third acre
The Greenworks 40V model cuts up to one-third acre on a single charge. Its 16-inch deck covers more ground per pass. The 4.0Ah battery supports longer sessions than smaller units. You can mulch or bag clippings with the 2-in-1 system. The 5-position height adjustment handles varied grass conditions. This mower balances power and coverage for medium-sized yards.
Buyers wanting compatibility with other tools
This Greenworks mower uses the 40V platform, which works with over 75 other tools. You can share batteries with trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws. This reduces the need to buy separate chargers. The 3-year warranty covers both the tool and battery. If you already own Greenworks 40V gear, this mower integrates seamlessly into your existing toolkit.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower | Small, flat lawns under 1/3 acre | Check price of Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower on Amazon |
| 2 | MZK 13-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower | Small lawns needing a lightweight, complete kit | Check price of MZK 13-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower on Amazon |
The products compared
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower
Best for: Small, flat lawns under 1/3 acre
- Power Source
- Cordless (what this guide is about)
- Cutting Width
- 16 in
- Voltage
- 40V
- Drive Type
- Push
- Battery Capacity
- 4.0 Ah
- Cutting Height
- 5 position
View on Amazon: Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower Affiliate link
This Greenworks mower uses a 40V battery and 4.0 Ah capacity to cut a 16-inch swath. It weighs 37.5 pounds, making it 35% lighter than steel deck mowers. You get five cutting height positions and a 2-in-1 mulch and bag system. It suits small lawns up to 1/3 acre. The 3-year warranty covers the tool and battery.
Pros
- 40V power source with 4.0 Ah battery
- 16-inch cutting width
- Weighs 37.5 pounds
- 5-position height adjustment
- Mulch and rear bagging options
Cons
- Push drive type requires manual effort
- 16-inch deck is narrower than self-propelled models
- No self-propulsion mechanism
Good fit if
- You have a small lawn under 1/3 acre
- You prefer a lightweight mower for easy storage
- You want mulch or bagging capabilities
Skip if
- You need self-propelled power for slopes
- You have a large lawn over 1/3 acre
- You prefer a wider cutting deck
Verdict: Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Mower fits users with small, flat lawns who value lightweight handling and basic mulching or bagging functions.
MZK 13-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
Best for: Small lawns needing a lightweight, complete kit
- Power Source
- Electric (what this guide is about)
- Cutting Width
- 13 in
- Voltage
- 20V
- Drive Type
- push
- Battery Capacity
- 4.0Ah
- Runtime
- Up to 30 minutes
View on Amazon: MZK 13-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower Affiliate link
The MZK 20V 13-Inch Brushless Mower uses two 20V 4.0Ah batteries to deliver up to 30 minutes of runtime. Its brushless motor reaches 3400 RPM on high for efficient cutting. The 13-inch deck covers ground with fewer passes, and the 30L bag collects clippings. You get four cutting heights from 1.3 to 2.6 inches. This compact unit suits small to medium lawns where easy storage and simple operation matter most.
Pros
- Brushless motor provides up to 3400 RPM for consistent power.
- Dual 20V 4.0Ah batteries offer 30 minutes of runtime.
- 13-inch cutting width reduces the number of passes needed.
- 4-position height adjustment ranges from 1.3 to 2.6 inches.
- Includes two batteries and a charger in the kit.
Cons
- 13-inch cutting width is narrower than the 16-inch alternative.
- 30-minute runtime is limited for larger or thick grass.
- Only 4 cutting height positions offer less precision.
Good fit if
- You have a small to medium lawn under 1/4 acre.
- You need a lightweight mower that is easy to store.
- You want a complete kit with batteries and charger included.
Skip if
- You require a wider cutting deck for faster mowing.
- You have a large lawn needing extended runtime.
- You prefer more than 4 cutting height settings.
Verdict: MZK 20V 13-Inch Brushless Mower fits users with small lawns who value a lightweight, complete kit. It delivers adequate power for moderate grass but lacks the width and runtime for larger properties.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Lawn Mower | MZK 13-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Cordless | Cordless battery |
| Cutting Width | 16 in | 13 in |
| Voltage | 40V | 20V |
| Drive Type | Push | push |
| Battery Capacity | 4.0 Ah | 4.0Ah |
| Runtime | not stated | Up to 30 minutes |
| Cutting Height | 5 position | 1.3 to 2.6 inches, 4 positions |
| Mowing Function | 2-in-1 (mulch, rear bagging) | Bagging |
| Motor Type | not stated | Brushless |
| Application | Lawn | Lawn |
| Dimensions | 50.8 × 18.9 × 39 inches | 16 × 17 × 9 inches |
| Weight | 37.5 pounds | 13 pounds |
| Size | 16" Cordless (4.0Ah) | 13IN |
| Color | Green | Red |
| Model | 25322 | ET2601 |
Frequently asked questions
Is a cordless mower better than an electric one?
Cordless models offer portability since they lack power cords, allowing you to move freely across the yard. Electric mowers typically require a plugged-in connection, which limits your range to the length of your extension cord. Choose cordless for larger areas without outlets nearby, and plug-in electric for small, confined spaces where cord management is easy.
How long does a battery last on a cordless mower?
Runtime depends on the battery capacity and motor efficiency. The MZK mower uses two 4.0Ah batteries to provide approximately 30 minutes of cutting time. Higher voltage systems, like the 40V Greenworks, often deliver more power per charge but may drain faster under heavy loads. Always check the amp-hour rating for estimated duration.
Do I need a special battery for a cordless mower?
You need a battery that matches the mower's voltage system. The Greenworks 40V model requires a 40V battery, while the MZK uses a 20V system. Using the correct voltage ensures proper motor function and prevents damage. Many brands offer interchangeable batteries within their own voltage families, so check compatibility before purchasing replacements.
Which is lighter, cordless or plug-in electric mowers?
Cordless mowers can be lighter because they do not carry a heavy power cord, though the battery adds weight. The MZK weighs only 13 pounds, making it very easy to lift. Plug-in electric mowers are often lighter than gas models but heavier than battery-free electric versions. Weight affects how easily you can maneuver and store the unit.
Can a cordless mower handle thick grass?
Higher voltage systems generally handle thick grass better due to increased torque. The Greenworks 40V mower offers robust performance for moderate to thick turf. The 20V MZK is adequate for moderate grass but may struggle with dense growth. For very thick or wet grass, a higher voltage cordless or gas mower might be more effective.
Is a brushless motor better for cordless mowers?
Brushless motors are more efficient and durable than brushed motors because they have fewer moving parts. The MZK features a brushless motor, which can extend runtime and reduce maintenance. This technology provides consistent power delivery and longer motor life. If you plan to use your mower frequently, a brushless option offers better long-term reliability.
Do I need a bag for a cordless mower?
Many cordless mowers support mulching, bagging, or side discharge, giving you flexibility. The Greenworks model allows for basic mulching or bagging functions. You do not strictly need a bag if you prefer to leave clippings on the lawn as natural fertilizer. Check the mower's deck design to see if it includes a collection bag or chute for disposal.