Greenworks 80V 21" Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 4.0Ah Battery and 60 Minute Rapid Charger Included Review

Quick Verdict

The Greenworks 80V wins for most buyers because it offers far more power, versatility, and control at a lower price, while the Gardena robot is only worth it for those who prioritize total hands-off mowing on a small, simple lawn.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Where Greenworks Wins

1. Much more cutting power and speed. The Greenworks 80V brushless motor delivers gas-like torque, cutting through tall, wet, or thick grass without bogging down. The 21-inch steel deck cuts a wide path, so you finish a typical lawn in 30–45 minutes. The Gardena robot’s small 8-inch cutting width and low power mean it must run daily or every other day, taking hours to cover just 5,400 sq ft.

2. Vastly better for uneven or complex yards. With manual push operation and a 21-inch deck, you can maneuver around flower beds, trees, slopes, and tight corners. The Gardena requires a buried boundary wire, flat terrain (max slope 25%), and clear paths—it struggles with obstacles, narrow passages, and steep grades. If your yard has any complexity, the Greenworks is far more practical.

3. Lower price and higher reliability. At $599.99 with a 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger included, the Greenworks costs $248 less than the Gardena. It also has a 4-year warranty vs. 3 years, and a 4.6-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews—indicating consistent satisfaction. The Gardena’s 3.6-star rating suggests more issues with boundary wire setup, battery life, and navigation.

Where Gardena Wins

1. True hands-off mowing. Once you install the boundary wire and schedule it via the Bluetooth app, the Gardena mows completely on its own—no pushing, no starting, no emptying bags. It returns to its charging dock automatically. For someone who hates mowing or is physically unable, this is a game-changer.

2. Extremely quiet operation. At just 58 dB, the Gardena is one of the quietest robot mowers on the market. You can run it early morning or late evening without disturbing neighbors. The Greenworks is quieter than gas but still produces a noticeable electric motor whine (around 75–80 dB) when cutting.

3. Superior for tiny, simple lawns. If your lawn is under 5,400 sq ft (0.12 acre) and relatively flat with no complex obstacles, the Gardena eliminates the chore entirely. It mulches clippings finely, returns to charge automatically, and requires no physical effort from you—just occasional cleaning and blade changes.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Greenworks 80V) if:

• Your lawn is larger than 5,400 sq ft (up to 1/2 acre), has slopes, obstacles, or irregular shapes
• You want powerful, fast cutting and don’t mind 30–45 minutes of push mowing per week
• You value lower cost, longer warranty, and proven reliability over automation

Buy Mower B (Gardena SILENO Minimo) if:

• Your yard is a simple, flat rectangle under 5,400 sq ft with no steep slopes or tight corners
• You absolutely hate mowing or have physical limitations that make pushing a mower difficult
• Noise is a major concern (e.g., you work from home or have noise-sensitive neighbors) and you’re willing to pay a premium for quiet, autonomous operation

Skip both if:

• You need a self-propelled mower (neither offers this—Greenworks is push, Gardena is robot)

Here is a head-to-head comparison of the Greenworks 80V 21" Cordless Push Mower and the GARDENA 15201-20 SILENO Minimo Robotic Mower.

Quick Verdict

The Greenworks mower wins for overall versatility and power, but the Gardena wins for hands-free convenience on small, flat lawns.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Where Greenworks Wins

1. Cutting Power and Deck Size: The 21-inch steel deck and 80V brushless motor deliver a clean, fast cut on thick or tall grass. It handles uneven terrain, wet grass, and weeds that would stall a small robot. The Gardena’s 8-inch cutting path is tiny by comparison—it trims frequently but cannot handle heavy growth.

2. Battery Ecosystem and Runtime: The 4.0Ah battery is part of Greenworks’ 75+ tool family (trimmers, blowers, chainsaws). A single charge runs about 45–60 minutes of mowing, and the included 60-minute rapid charger means quick turnaround. The Gardena’s battery is proprietary, non-swappable, and lasts about 60–70 minutes per charge, but requires a full day to recharge.

3. User Control and Maneuverability: You push the mower exactly where you want—around flower beds, under shrubs, or along edges. The 7-position single-lever height adjustment (1.5"–4") and mulching/bagging/side-discharge options give you total control over cut quality. The robot can’t handle complex landscaping, steep slopes, or narrow paths without getting stuck.

Where Gardena Wins

1. Zero Effort Mowing: Once you install the boundary wire (included) and set the schedule via Bluetooth app, the Gardena mows daily on its own. No pushing, no gas, no noise (rated at 57 dB—whisper-quiet). For small, flat lawns under 2,700 sq ft, this is a true set-and-forget solution.

2. Precision for Small Lawns: The robot’s small size and random navigation pattern allow it to cut around trees, posts, and flower beds without scalping. It returns to its charging station automatically and can handle slopes up to 25%. For a tiny, manicured lawn, it keeps grass consistently short without manual trimming.

3. Low Long-Term Maintenance: No blade sharpening, no deck cleaning, no oil changes. The robot’s razor blades are cheap and easy to replace. The Greenworks requires regular blade maintenance, bag emptying, and occasional belt/tension adjustments. The Gardena also uses less electricity per month than a single battery charge for the Greenworks.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy Mower A (Greenworks) if: You have a medium-to-large yard (over 3,000 sq ft), want to mow thick or tall grass, need bagging/mulching versatility, or already own other 80V Greenworks tools. It’s a powerful, reliable push mower that gives you full control.

Buy Mower B (Gardena) if: Your lawn is small (under 2,700 sq ft), perfectly flat, and free of obstacles like steep slopes, narrow paths, or dense flower beds. You value total automation—no pushing, no scheduling, no manual trimming. It’s ideal for a tidy, low-maintenance postage-stamp yard.

Skip both if: You have a yard between 3,000 and 10,000 sq ft with moderate complexity. In that case, consider a self-propelled gas or larger battery mower (like Greenworks 80V self-propelled) or a more capable robot (like Husqvarna Automower 315X) that can handle bigger spaces and steeper hills.