When it comes to choosing a cordless electric lawn mower, you have more great options than ever before from top brands like Ryobi and Greenworks. Two of the most popular models are the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-inch mower and the Greenworks Pro 80V 21-inch mower. Both deliver gas-like power without the noise, fumes, and maintenance of a traditional mower. But which voltage is better—40V or 80V? And how do these two mowers match up in real-world performance?
To help you decide, we‘ll break down the key differences between the Ryobi 40V and Greenworks 80V mowers, explain the pros and cons of each voltage class, and give our take on which one comes out on top. Let‘s dig in!
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Mower Features & Specs
- 40V battery system powers over 50+ Ryobi tools
- High-efficiency brushless motor
- 21-inch steel deck with 7 cutting heights
- 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge
- Self-propelled rear wheel drive with variable speed
- Includes two 6.0Ah batteries and charger
- 5-year limited warranty
- Price: $799 (with battery and charger)
The Ryobi 40V HP mower sports loads of premium features not always found at this price point. The upgraded brushless motor delivers robust cutting power while maximizing runtime. It propels the mower at a max speed of 3.5 MPH, so you can crank through big yards quickly. The batteries last around 60 minutes, enough time to tackle up to 1/2 acre per charge.
The mower feels sturdy and substantial thanks to its steel deck, yet still folds up neatly for compact storage. You also get plenty of flexibility with the 7-position single-point height adjustment and option to mulch, bag, or side discharge your clippings. Ryobi even throws in two batteries and a charger for a complete ready-to-mow package.
Greenworks Pro 80V 21-inch Mower Highlights
- 80V battery system for maximum cordless power
- Durable 21-inch steel deck with 7 cutting heights
- Self-propelled drive with variable speed control
- 3-in-1 mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge
- Compatible with Greenworks 80V batteries and chargers (sold separately)
- 4-year limited warranty
- Price: $399 (tool only)
For its top-of-the-line 21-inch model, Greenworks turns to a beefy 80V battery system to rival the oomph of gas mowers. The efficient brushless motor pairs with a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery to cut up to 1/3 acre on a single charge. However, unlike the Ryobi, batteries are sold separately with this model.
The Greenworks 80V shares most of the same premium features as its Ryobi rival, including a steel deck, single-lever height adjustment, 3-in-1 discharge options, and variable-speed self-propulsion. You can buy it as a bare tool for $399 or in a "starter kit" with a battery and charger for $549.
So both mowers boast an impressive arsenal of features and capabilities, but the biggest difference comes down to the batteries…
40V vs 80V Cordless Tool Batteries: What‘s the Difference?
To understand why you might opt for one voltage over the other, it helps to know a bit about how cordless tool batteries work. The "V" in 40V and 80V stands for volts, a measure of the "force" of an electrical current. A higher voltage means more power output but not necessarily longer runtimes.
Think of voltage like water pressure from a pump. An 80V battery is like a bigger, stronger pump that can spray water further and blast through clogs. A 40V is like a smaller pump that still gets the job done for most needs but with less "oomph" on tap.
The other key battery spec to know is amp-hours (Ah), which indicates the charge capacity. A higher Ah rating generally means longer runtimes. Using the same analogy, Ah is like the size of your water tank. A 5.0Ah battery holds more "juice" than a 2.5Ah pack.
Putting the two together, an 80V 5.0Ah battery can deliver a lot more power for a longer time than a 40V 2.5Ah battery. That‘s why Greenworks touts the 80V as the "ultimate in cordless yard power."
However, the superior specs of 80V come at a cost. The batteries are larger, heavier, and more expensive than 40V packs. A Greenworks 80V 5.0Ah battery alone costs $219 compared to $139 for a Ryobi 40V 5.0Ah battery. The tools also tend to cost more since they require beefed-up motors and electronics.
So which voltage is right for you? Here are some general guidelines:
Go with 40V if you have:
- A small to medium size yard (up to 1/3 acre)
- Typically dry, thin grass under 6 inches
- A tight budget for batteries and tools
- Existing Ryobi 40V batteries or tools
Consider 80V if you have:
- A medium or large yard (1/3 acre or more)
- Frequently overgrown, thick, and/or wet grass
- Plans to expand an 80V tool collection
- The budget for higher voltage batteries and tools
Looking within the Greenworks lineup, the decision point between 40V and 80V comes down to your yard size and grass type. The 40V mowers are plenty powerful for small to medium size yards with generally well-kept grass. If you have over 1/3 acre, lots of hills, or often let the grass get shaggy between mows, the 80V will power through with less bogging down.
Greenworks also offers a 25-inch deck 80V mower if you want to cut huge swaths in fewer passes. For reference, a 21-inch mower will make about 6 passes to cut a 10 ft. wide strip while the 25-inch will do it in 5 passes. The bigger deck shaves off mow time in sprawling yards.
Bottom Line: Ryobi 40V or Greenworks 80V?
After mowing through all the features and specs, which of these two cordless contenders claims the battery-powered crown? Both are exceptional mowers that will leave your lawn looking lush without gas headaches. But there are a few key differences that tilt the scales…
For most homeowners, the Ryobi 40V HP mower offers the best bang for the buck, especially if you catch it on sale for around $600. It matches or exceeds the Greenworks in cutting power, runtime, and features while costing hundreds less. The two included 6.0Ah batteries will mow up to an acre on a charge, ample for the average yard. And you can use the batteries in all your other Ryobi 40V tools.
The Greenworks 80V mower makes sense if you have a larger yard with demanding grass and plan to grow an 80V tool arsenal. It packs a mightier punch than the 40V Ryobi for chewing through really thick and wet grass. And the 5.0Ah batteries last a bit longer per charge. However, you‘ll pay a premium for that extra power, especially if you need extra batteries.
The other factor to consider is the broader tool lineups. Ryobi currently offers over 50 tools in the 40V family, from string trimmers to leaf blowers to pole saws. Greenworks has a smaller 80V selection but also makes a wide range of 40V tools. So if you‘re just buying a mower, the Greenworks 80V is outstanding. But if you want to power an entire shed, Ryobi 40V is the more cost-effective platform.
Whichever voltage or brand you choose, you can‘t go wrong with either of these top-rated cordless mowers. They both provide a clean, green, hassle-free way to keep your lawn looking its best all season long. Happy mowing!