Quiet lawn mowers help you keep the peace while you keep your lawn tidy. Many cities limit when and how loud you can mow, and neighbors appreciate quieter gear.
This page is your overview of all quiet options with simple guidance on which type fits your yard. For electric‑only picks, riding options, and zero turn choices, jump to the specific pages linked below.
Best Quiet Lawn Mowers 2025 (By Type)
Below are the top picks of the quietest lawn mowers available, offering different features and benefits to suit various lawn sizes and preferences.
| Mower type | Top‑rated quiet model | Stated noise level | Why it’s quiet/best | See on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric walk‑behind | EGO POWER+ LM2135SP Select Cut (56V) | N/A | Brushless motor, multi‑blade system, smooth power delivery | Check Price |
| Push reel | American Lawn Mower Co. 20‑inch 5‑blade | Near‑silent (no motor) | Manual scissor‑cut, no engine or exhaust | Check Price |
| Gas walk‑behind (quiet exception) | YARDMAX 22 in 201cc self‑propelled | N/A | Improved muffler, solid deck reduces vibration | Check Price |
| Lawn tractor (riding) | EGO POWER+ TR4204 electric tractor | N/A | Dual brushless cutting motors, no combustion noise | Check Price |
| Zero turn | Greenworks 60V 42″ CrossoverZ | 90 dB (stated) | Brushless drive, lower engine noise than gas peers | Check Price |
Quick comparison by mower type
| Type | How quiet | Best for | Why choose it | Limitations | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric walk‑behind (battery or corded) | Quieter than gas; the quietest powered option | Small to medium yards | Low maintenance, instant start, no fumes | Runtime limits, cord management for corded | quietest electric lawn mowers |
| Push reel | Near-silent mechanical cut | Small, flat lawns kept short | Very quiet, simple, low cost | More effort, struggles in tall or thick grass | quiet push mowers |
| Gas walk‑behind | Usually louder; only select models are quieter | Medium yards needing continuous power | Fast refuel, strong in tough grass | Noise, maintenance, fumes | quiet gas lawn mowers |
| Lawn tractor (riding) | Electric tractors are much quieter than gas | 1–2+ acres, open areas | Comfort, tow/attachments | Storage space, higher price | quietest riding lawn mowers |
| Zero turn | Electric models are quieter; gas models vary | 1–3 acres with many obstacles | Speed, precise control | Cost, learning curve | quietest zero turn mowers |
Noise level basics
Noise is measured in decibels on a scale where higher numbers are much louder to our ears. Long exposure to loud sound can damage hearing. Many experts recommend hearing protection for louder equipment and limiting early or late mowing.
For background on safe listening and hearing protection, see the NIOSH guide to noise and hearing loss prevention at the CDC website.
Decision guide: pick your path
- Yard size under a quarter acre
- Choose a battery or corded electric walk‑behind for the best mix of quiet and convenience
- If your lawn is flat and you mow often, a reel mower is the quietest option
- Yard size one quarter to one acre
- Choose a modern 40–60V battery mower with spare batteries
- If you need continuous runtime in thick grass, consider a quieter gas model from our quiet gas lawn mowers page
- Over one acre
- Open lawns: see quietest riding lawn mowers
- Many trees and beds: see quietest zero turn mowers
- Schedule and neighbors
- If you must mow early or late, electric is the safest bet for sound and courtesy
Tractor vs zero turn at a glance
| Yard profile | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Open acreage, few obstacles | Tractor | Comfortable ride, towing, simpler learning curve |
| Many trees, beds, fences | Zero turn | Fast turns, less trimming afterward |
| Slopes and rough ground | Tractor | Often rides smoother at lower speeds |
| Tight gates and narrow paths | 42 in deck (either) | Fits more gates; reduces overlap |
Push mower options
Push mowers come in two quiet-friendly styles.
- Manual reel
- Quietest cut, simple hardware, low cost to own
- Works best on short, well-kept grass and flat ground
- Electric walk‑behind
- Still quiet, handles taller grass better than reel
- Choose brushless motors and sharp blades for smoother, quieter cutting
Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless
- Effortless Power for ½ Acre Yards- Experience gas-like performance without the hassle—45 minutes of continuous runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery (full charge in 2 hours). Perfect for small to medium lawns up to ½ acre.
- Ultra-Lightweight Design (35% Lighter)- 16" cutting deck with ergonomic handles and push-button start makes maneuvering effortless—ideal for users prioritizing comfort and ease of storage.
- Smart Cut Adjustment System- Single-lever 5-position height control (1.25"-3.375") adapts to any grass type. 2-in-1 mulching/rear-bagging system maximizes clippings management.
- Zero Maintenance, Maximum Savings- No gas/oil costs, emissions, or engine tune-ups. Save $200+ annually vs gas mowers with whisper-quiet operation (<75dB).
- Complete Ecosystem Value- Includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 3year tool + 3year battery warranty Works with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
This Greenworks cordless mower stands out for its surprisingly quiet operation, which many users highlight as a key benefit.
The electric motor eliminates the loud roar of gas engines, allowing for early morning or late evening lawn care without disturbing the peace.
Beyond its quietness, the mower is praised for being lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for small to medium-sized yards. Its versatile 2-in-1 design offers both mulching and rear bagging options, and the single-lever height adjustment simplifies customization.
Battery life is a mixed bag, with some finding it sufficient and others experiencing quicker drain, so consider your lawn size and potentially invest in an extra battery.
Overall, this Greenworks mower offers a compelling combination of quiet operation, ease of use, and eco-friendliness.
WORX 40V 17″ Cordless
- QUICK-START 40V POWER: Cordless lawn mower delivers robust 40V power with (2) 20V 4.0Ah batteries, ideal for cutting up to 1/8 acre. Starts fast—simply push a button and pull the bail handle. Quickly charge both batteries with included dual charger.
- SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER: The same PowerShare batteries that run this push lawn mower can conveniently be used with 140+ power tools, outdoor power equipment, and lifestyle products from the WORX PowerShare platform.
- INTELLICUT: Patented sensor technology automatically adjusts cutting speed to match the grass conditions. Intellicut increases cutting speed when it detects dense grass for smoother mowing, but slows down in less demanding turf to save on battery.
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT: At only 35 lbs., this lightweight lawn mower is easy to push up hills. The compact body is ideal for narrower pathways. The fully collapsible handle saves storage space and the easy-carry handle ensures smooth portability.
- 7-POSITION CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT: Single lever rapidly raises and lowers the cutting deck from 1.5" to 4" so your cordless push mower is always cutting at the ideal height for your lawn.
- Specified Noise Level: 89 dB
The WORX 40V mower is another excellent option for those seeking a quieter mowing experience.
With a specified noise level of 89 decibels, it’s noticeably quieter than traditional gas mowers. Users consistently praise its quiet operation, comparing the sound to that of a paper shredder.
Its lightweight design and compact size make it easy to maneuver and store, and the Intellicut technology automatically adjusts cutting speed to optimize battery life and performance. Battery life receives mixed feedback, but the inclusion of two batteries helps mitigate this concern.
The 2-in-1 bagging/mulching feature adds versatility, and the single-lever height adjustment simplifies customization. While some users report battery issues, the WORX 40V mower generally offers a compelling combination of quiet operation, user-friendly design, and convenient features.
American Lawn Mower Company 20-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower
- Wide 20-Inch Cutting Path – Cover more ground with each pass, making mowing faster and more efficient with a precision 5-blade reel design. Grass Catcher Included
- Optimized Cutting Height – Easily adjust between 2 inches to 3 inches for a lush, well-manicured lawn that promotes healthy grass growth.
- Eco-Friendly & Low-Maintenance –just a quiet, smooth mowing experience that’s better for your lawn and the environment.
- Comfortable & Easy to Use – Designed for effortless maneuverability, the ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip and superior control.
- The Reel-Deal 5-Year Protection Plan
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
The American Lawn Mower Company’s reel mower offers a truly quiet mowing experience, as it relies entirely on manual power.
This mower is super quiet, with some customers reporting that they can hear birds singing while mowing, a stark contrast to the noise pollution of gas-powered models. While it requires more physical effort than electric or gas mowers, it’s an eco-friendly and low-maintenance option.
Users appreciate its simple design and ability to provide a clean, scissor-like cut, which is considered healthier for the grass. However, some users find it difficult to maneuver and report mixed results with cut quality, especially on uneven terrain or with longer grass. Build quality and value for money are also points of contention among users.
Overall, this reel mower is a good option for those with small, well-maintained lawns who prioritize quiet operation and environmental friendliness.
Greenworks 60V 21” Cordless
- [60V 21” LAWN MOWER] - Delivers more power and performance (3200 RPM max blade tip speed) than typical gas-powered mowers, without the noise, fumes, or harmful emissions
- [UP TO 60 MINUTE RUN-TIME] – Achieve up to 60 minutes run-time, or up to 1/2 acre with the included 5.0Ah battery
- [50% MORE POWER / 60% LESS NOISE] – 50% more power than 40V battery systems, and 60% less noise than gas mowers
- [WATERPROOF IPX 4] – Waterproof with IPX 4 rating to thrive in the toughest weather
- [DUAL PORT AUTO SWITCH TECHNOLOGY] – Automatically transitions to a second battery when the first one depletes, allowing you to tackle larger lawns without waiting for a recharge (additional battery sold separately)
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
The Greenworks 60V mower aims to deliver gas-like power with significantly reduced noise. While it’s not completely silent, many users report that it’s much quieter than gas mowers, making it a more considerate option for neighborhoods.
It stands out for its power and cutting ability, effectively handling tough grass and weeds. The mower is also praised for its ease of use and lightweight design, making it easy to maneuver. Its dual-port battery system allows for extended runtimes.
However, the build quality receives mixed reviews, and some users find it not as powerful as expected.
Overall, this Greenworks mower offers a good balance of power, quiet operation, and user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for those seeking a gas mower alternative.
Gas mowers and quiet exceptions
Gas engines are usually the loudest part of a mower. That said, some gas walk‑behinds reduce noise with better mufflers, deck design, and blade choices. If you need long runtime or want fast refueling, look for:
- Four-stroke OHV engines with improved mufflers
- Solid deck construction that resists vibration
- Balanced, sharp blades that avoid extra turbulence
If gas fits your needs, see our curated list on quiet gas lawn mowers. If you are noise sensitive or have strict ordinances, an electric mower is the simpler way to stay quiet.
ARDMAX 22 in. 201cc 6-Speed Self Propelled Lawn Mower
- Exclusive and industry-leading CVT (Continuously variable transmission) offers superior speed variability to adjust the mower pace to your walking speed by simply selecting the 6-speed shift lever.Recommended for Terrain Type : Flat, Sloped, Uneven..Wheel Width :8 in front and 11 in rear. Rear Bagger Capable : Yes.
- Exclusive rubber tires with aggressive spike tread pattern significantly increases overall traction and maneuverability
- Easily clean the underside of the cutting deck with the deck cleanout port
- Single-lever deck adjustment for quickly setting your mow height
- 7 cutting heights from 1.38 in. to 3.55 in.
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
This YARDMAX mower stands out with its CVT transmission, offering smooth speed adjustments, and its robust construction. While not specifically marketed as “quiet,” some users have noted its relatively quiet operation compared to older or less well-maintained mowers.
The mower’s durable steel deck and rubber tires contribute to reduced vibration, which can minimize noise. Its self-propelled feature and multiple speed settings add convenience, though some users find it heavy, especially on inclines.
While a few users reported issues with durability and customer service, many appreciate its power and mulching capabilities. Buyers should be prepared for a potentially heavier machine and consider the mixed reviews regarding long-term reliability. Overall, it offers a good set of features for the price, but noise levels may vary.
Maintenance for quieter mowing
- Keep blades sharp so the motor works less
- Tighten loose fasteners to prevent rattles
- Mow when grass is dry to reduce strain and sound
- For battery mowers, store and charge batteries as directed for best runtime
Noise ordinances and etiquette
- Check local rules on hours and allowable equipment noise
- Avoid early mornings and late evenings
- Talk with neighbors before changing routines; electric helps expand your mow window