Ryobi Lawn Mower Review, Buying Guide, and Expert Tips

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your old mower or making lawn care a lot less of a hassle, you’ve probably already heard about the Ryobi lawn mower buzz — and trust me, it’s not just hype. Ryobi is quickly becoming a household name in lawn care, and for good reason. With their sleek designs, powerful performance, and eco-friendly technology, Ryobi lawn mowers are giving even the big gas-powered brands a serious run for their money. Over the past few years, the demand for battery-powered lawn mowers has skyrocketed. Homeowners are moving away from noisy, high-maintenance gas models and leaning into the quieter, greener future — and Ryobi is leading the charge. With powerful 40V and 80V systems, easy-to-use features, and a reputation for reliability, Ryobi has carved out a strong spot at the top. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the best Ryobi lawn mower models, standout features, a detailed buying guide, pros and cons you should consider, smart maintenance tips, and the most commonly asked questions answered. Whether you have a tiny backyard or a sprawling lawn, you’re about to find the perfect Ryobi mower to make mowing a lot more fun (yes, seriously!). Why Ryobi Lawn Mowers Are a Top Choice When it comes to power tools, Ryobi is a name that’s trusted in garages and workshops all over the world. From drills to trimmers, they’ve built a rock-solid reputation for making durable, affordable, and innovative tools — and they’ve brought that same energy to the lawn care world with the Ryobi lawn mower lineup. One of the biggest reasons homeowners are making the switch to a Ryobi lawn mower is the major benefits over traditional gas-powered machines. First off, they’re eco-friendly, meaning no harmful emissions clouding up your backyard. They’re also low maintenance, saving you from regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, and messy gas refills. Plus, Ryobi’s battery-powered mowers operate much more quietly than roaring gas models, making them a dream for peaceful neighborhoods. But Ryobi doesn’t just stop at battery power — they’re constantly pushing innovation. Their Smart Trek technology allows self-propelled models to automatically adjust to your walking speed, giving you an effortless mowing experience. Combine that with brushless motors (which last longer and run cooler) and high-voltage systems like 40V and the newer 80V platforms, and you’ve got the kind of cutting power that rivals gas mowers — without the headaches. In short? Ryobi has made it easier, smarter, and greener to mow your lawn — and once you try it, you won’t want to go back.   Key Features to Look For in Ryobi Mowers Choosing the right Ryobi lawn mower isn’t just about picking the biggest or the most expensive model — it’s about finding the right mix of features that fit your lawn and your lifestyle. Luckily, Ryobi packs a ton of thoughtful technology into their mowers to make yard work easier and more enjoyable. First up, many models come equipped with brushless motor technology, which means better energy efficiency, more power, and longer motor life. It’s like giving your mower a turbo boost without the extra fuel bills. Battery options are another major highlight. Depending on the model, you’ll find mowers powered by 18V, 40V, or the heavy-duty 80V systems. Smaller yards can easily get by with 18V models, while larger or tougher lawns might need the extra muscle from a 40V or 80V Ryobi lawn mower. You’ll also want to consider whether a self-propelled mower fits your needs (especially if you have hills) or if a traditional push mower works fine for flat lawns. Either way, Ryobi offers both options. When it comes to handling clippings, Ryobi gives you all the flexibility: mulching, bagging, or side discharge — you get to choose how you manage your lawn. Finally, smart compact vertical storage saves tons of space in your garage, and features like easy height adjustments and LED headlights make mowing faster, simpler, and even possible at dusk!   Best Ryobi Lawn Mower Models Compared Choosing the perfect Ryobi lawn mower starts with knowing which model best suits your yard and lifestyle. Below, we break down the top Ryobi mowers, their ideal uses, standout features, and quick pros and cons to help you pick the right one! 1. Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13″ Cordless Mower Who it’s for: If you have a small yard (under 1/4 acre) and want a lightweight, beginner-friendly option, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13″ Cordless Mower is a fantastic choice. Performance Insights: This compact Ryobi lawn mower runs on the same 18V batteries used in Ryobi’s entire ONE+ tool system. It’s super easy to maneuver, with a simple push-button start and surprisingly good cutting power for its size. Pros: Extremely lightweight and compact Shares batteries with other Ryobi tools Affordable price point Cons: Limited battery runtime (ideal only for small lawns) Narrow 13″ cutting deck means more passes 2. Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20″ Push Mower Ideal yard size: Perfect for medium-sized lawns up to 1/2 acre. Performance Insights: The 40V HP Brushless motor delivers gas-like power without emissions. This Ryobi lawn mower offers a solid 20″ cutting deck, excellent runtime, and three mowing options (mulch, bag, or side discharge). It’s ideal if you prefer a push mower but still want premium power. Pros: Strong cutting performance Great for flat, medium yards Fold-up storage saves space Cons: Not self-propelled (can be tiring on hills) Battery recharge required for larger yards 3. Ryobi 40V HP 21″ Self-Propelled Mower Best for medium-large lawns: If your lawn is hilly or just a bit larger (up to 3/4 acre), the Ryobi 40V HP 21″ Self-Propelled Mower is a serious upgrade. Self-Propelled Advantage: Smart Trek technology automatically matches your walking speed, making it almost effortless to mow — especially on slopes or uneven terrain. Pros: Variable speed self-propelled system 21″ wide cutting path for faster mowing Dual battery ports for extended runtime Cons: Slightly heavier than push models Higher price tag than basic

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