Quiet lawn mowers are essential for maintaining peaceful neighborhoods and reducing noise pollution while still keeping your lawn in top shape. They allow you to mow at any time without disturbing your neighbors, making lawn care more convenient. Selecting the right quiet mower means balancing noise reduction with cutting power and battery life to fit your specific yard needs.
Best Quiet Lawn Mowers
Below are reviews of some of the quietest lawn mowers available, offering different features and benefits to suit various lawn sizes and preferences.
Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower
- CORDLESS LAWN MOWER – Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 40v push lawn mower provides the power you need with up to 45 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. The battery completely charges in 120 minutes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY TO USE – A lightweight 16” cutting deck allows for easy maneuvering through small to medium yards (up to ½ acre) more efficiently. Easy push button start and lighter weight make it a great choice for your lawn.
- VERSATILE – Battery powered lawn mower has a single lever 5-position height adjustment with a cutting height range from 1-1/4" to 3-3/8" for the best cut in all environments. The 2-in-1 feature offers versatile use with mulching and rear bagging options.
- MAINTENANCE FREE – This walk behind lawn mower is virtually maintenance free, with no gas, no oil and no emissions. It starts instantly and is quiet but delivers gas-like power for your toughest projects.
- INCLUDES – Battery operated lawn mower comes with mower, grass collection bag, 40V 4.0Ah battery, charger and operators manual. It offers a 3 year tool and 3 year battery warranty.
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
Many users consistently praise this mower for its surprisingly quiet operation compared to gas-powered models. The absence of a loud engine contributes significantly to noise reduction. Beyond its quiet operation, this mower is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for small to medium yards.
Its versatility with mulching and rear bagging options is appreciated, along with the single-lever height adjustment. However, battery life is a mixed bag, with some finding it sufficient and others wanting more. Overall, it's a great option for those prioritizing quietness and ease of use in a smaller lawn mower.
WORX 40V 17" Cordless Lawn Mower
- 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
This WORX model is designed with quiet operation in mind, boasting an 89-decibel noise level. Its battery-powered operation ensures significantly reduced noise compared to traditional gas mowers. The Intellicut technology automatically adjusts the cutting speed to conserve battery and maintain efficient cutting, contributing to a more peaceful mowing experience.
Besides quietness, this mower is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for smaller yards. However, like other cordless models, battery life can vary based on grass density and mowing conditions. In conclusion, this is a solid choice for those seeking a quiet, user-friendly mower, especially if you already use other WORX PowerShare tools.
Greenworks 40V 16" Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower
- 40V CORDLESS MOWER - This 40V push lawn mower provides the power you need with up to 45 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. The battery completely charges in 120 minutes.
- BRUSHLESS MOTOR – Provides more torque, quiet operation, and a longer life.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, EASY TO USE – A lightweight 16” cutting deck allows for easy maneuvering through small to medium yards (up to ½ acre) more efficiently. Easy push button start, and lighter weight make it a great choice for your lawn.
- VERSATILE – Single lever 5-position height adjustment with a cutting height range from 1-1/4" to 3-3/8" for the best cut in all environments. The 2-in-1 feature offers versatile use with mulching and rear bagging options.
- INCLUDES – Mower, grass collection bag, 40V 4.0Ah battery, charger, and operator’s manual. It offers a 3-year tool and 3-year battery warranty.
- Specified Noise Level: N/A
This mower is noted for its quiet operation, largely thanks to its brushless motor technology. Brushless motors reduce noise compared to traditional brushed motors, offering a more pleasant mowing experience. Beyond the quiet operation, the brushless motor also provides increased torque and a longer lifespan.
This mower’s lightweight design and easy push-button start make it user-friendly for a variety of users. One consideration is the 16-inch cutting deck, best suited for smaller yards. Overall, it presents a compelling option for those seeking a durable, quiet, and easy-to-use lawn mower for smaller spaces.
How to Choose a Quiet Lawn Mower
Are you tired of disturbing the peace in your neighborhood every time you need to mow your lawn? A quiet lawn mower might be the solution you're looking for. This guide will help you understand what makes lawn mowers noisy, how to measure noise levels, and what features to look for when shopping for a quieter option.
What Makes a Lawn Mower Noisy?
Traditional gas-powered lawn mowers are notoriously loud due to several factors. The internal combustion engine creates significant noise as fuel explodes in the cylinders. The muffler quality (or lack thereof) on many models fails to adequately dampen this engine noise.
Metal blades hitting grass and debris at high speeds create additional noise through air displacement and impact. Vibrating components that aren't properly secured can rattle and increase the overall noise level.
How to Make a Lawn Mower Quieter
Switching to electric models (corded or battery-powered) is the most effective way to reduce noise. Electric motors operate much more quietly than gas engines. Brushless electric motors are even quieter than traditional brushed motors and offer improved efficiency.
Quality construction with better dampening materials helps reduce vibration and noise. Regular maintenance including blade sharpening ensures more efficient cutting with less strain on the motor.
Understanding Lawn Mower Noise Levels
Noise is measured in decibels (dB), a logarithmic scale where each 10 dB increase represents a doubling of perceived loudness. Typical gas-powered lawn mowers operate at 95-100 dB, which is comparable to a motorcycle or jackhammer and can cause hearing damage with prolonged exposure.
Standard electric mowers generally produce around 75-85 dB, similar to a busy street or garbage disposal. The quietest electric and battery-powered models can operate at 65-75 dB, roughly equivalent to normal conversation or a dishwasher.
For reference, hearing protection is recommended for extended exposure to sounds above 85 dB. Many communities have noise ordinances that restrict the use of equipment exceeding certain decibel levels, particularly early in the morning or late in the evening.
Key Features to Look for in Quiet Lawn Mowers
Power Source
Battery-powered and electric mowers are significantly quieter than gas models. Modern lithium-ion batteries provide adequate power for most residential lawns. Corded electric models are quieter and offer unlimited runtime but limit mobility.
Motor Type
Brushless motors operate more quietly and efficiently than brushed motors. They also typically last longer and require less maintenance, making them worth the higher initial investment.
Blade Design
Look for specially designed "quiet-cut" or low-noise blades that reduce air turbulence. High-quality steel blades that maintain sharpness longer will cut more efficiently and create less noise.
Cutting Width
A wider cutting deck may allow you to finish mowing faster, reducing the total time noise is being produced. However, smaller decks sometimes allow for more efficient motors that operate more quietly.
Weight and Construction
Solid construction with good vibration dampening materials helps reduce operational noise. Rubber components and padding in strategic areas can significantly lower noise from vibrations.
How to Choose the Right Quiet Lawn Mower for Your Needs
Assess Your Lawn Size
For small lawns (under 1/4 acre), a basic battery-powered or corded electric mower will suffice. Medium lawns (1/4 to 1/2 acre) typically require a more powerful battery-powered mower with extended runtime or a gas mower with noise-reduction features.
Large properties (over 1/2 acre) might benefit from a riding mower with electric options now available for quieter operation. Consider battery capacity and charging time if choosing battery-powered models for larger lawns.
Evaluate Your Physical Capabilities
Self-propelled models reduce physical effort and often have more powerful motors that can handle tougher grass without straining (and creating more noise). Push mowers are typically lighter and simpler with fewer components that could create noise.
Consider Your Terrain
Uneven terrain requires more powerful motors that may generate more noise. Models with larger wheels and better ground clearance handle rough terrain more effectively with less strain on the motor.
Installation and Usage Tips to Minimize Noise
Optimal Mowing Times
Consider neighbor-friendly mowing hours, typically between 9 AM and 7 PM. Avoid early mornings, evenings, and weekends when people are more likely to be home and enjoying their outdoor spaces.
Maintenance Practices
Keep blades sharp as dull blades require more power and create more noise. Regular maintenance of all moving parts ensures smoother operation. Tightening loose components prevents rattling and additional noise.
Mowing Techniques
Maintain an appropriate cutting height—removing more than 1/3 of grass height at once strains the motor. Mow dry grass when possible as wet grass is heavier and requires more power to cut.
Consider creating a buffer zone of shrubs or hedges around your property to absorb some of the mower noise before it reaches neighbors.
Price Considerations and Value Assessment
Entry-Level Options ($200-$300)
Basic electric and battery-powered push mowers offer good noise reduction compared to gas models. These typically have smaller cutting widths (14-16 inches) and shorter battery life but are suitable for small yards.
Mid-Range Options ($300-$500)
Enhanced battery-powered models with brushless motors and longer runtime provide excellent noise reduction. These often feature wider cutting paths (17-21 inches) and self-propelled capabilities for easier operation.
Premium Options ($500+)
Top-tier quiet mowers include advanced lithium-ion battery systems with extended runtime. These feature premium noise-dampening construction, wider cutting widths, and additional quality-of-life features like LED headlights or smart connectivity.
Long-Term Value Considerations
While quiet electric and battery mowers often cost more initially, they typically have lower operating costs with no fuel needed. They also require less maintenance than gas models with fewer moving parts to wear out or create noise.
Consider the warranty length and availability of replacement parts when assessing value. Some manufacturers offer battery exchange programs or extended warranties that add considerable value.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select a lawn mower that provides the perfect balance of quiet operation and effective performance for your specific needs. Your ears—and your neighbors—will thank you.