Greenworks 80V 21" Brushless Cordless (S vs PowerSmart Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
Quick Verdict
The Greenworks 80V 21" Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) wins for most suburban homeowners who want low maintenance, quiet operation, and reliable self-propelled performance. The PowerSmart 22" 170cc Gas mower is the better choice for budget buyers with larger yards who don’t mind gas engine upkeep and want a wider cut.
Side-by-Side
| Feature | Greenworks 80V 21" | PowerSmart 22" 170cc |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $559.99 | $349.99 |
| Power Source | 80V battery (brushless) | 170cc OHV gas engine |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches | 22 inches |
| Self-Propelled | Yes | Yes |
| Best Yard Size | Up to 3/4 acre | Up to 1 acre |
| User Rating | 4.4/5 (1,696 reviews) | 4.1/5 (277 reviews) |
Where Greenworks Wins
No gas, no hassle. The 80V brushless motor eliminates oil changes, fuel mixing, spark plug replacements, and carburetor cleaning. You simply charge the battery and mow. It starts instantly with a button push—no pull cord, no choke, no priming.
Quieter and lighter. At roughly 60–65 pounds with battery, this mower is noticeably easier to maneuver than a gas model. Noise levels are low enough to mow early morning without disturbing neighbors.
Better self-propelled feel. The variable-speed self-propulsion on the Greenworks is smooth and responsive. You can adjust speed on the handle without stopping. The PowerSmart’s self-propelled system works but feels less refined.
Higher user satisfaction. With a 4.4 average from nearly 1,700 reviews, Greenworks owners report fewer issues and more consistent performance than PowerSmart’s 4.1 from 277 reviews.
Long-term cost. No ongoing fuel costs, no air filters, no oil. Electricity to charge the battery costs pennies per mow.
Where PowerSmart Wins
Lower upfront price. At $349.99, the PowerSmart costs $210 less than the Greenworks. That savings buys years of gas and oil.
Wider cut. The 22-inch deck covers 4.8% more grass per pass than the 21-inch Greenworks. Over a 10,000 sq ft lawn, that saves about 5–7 minutes per mow.
No battery anxiety. Gas mowers run as long as you have fuel. The Greenworks uses a single 80V battery (likely 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah), which may need recharging mid-mow on larger lawns. Spare batteries cost $150–$250.
More raw power for tough conditions. The 170cc OHV engine handles thick, wet, or tall grass with less bogging than battery mowers. If you regularly cut overgrown grass, the gas engine has more torque reserve.
Familiar refueling. Gas stations are everywhere. Finding and charging a spare 80V battery takes planning.
Which Should You Buy
Choose the Greenworks 80V if: You have a lawn up to 3/4 acre, want quiet operation, hate gas engine maintenance, and value instant start and smooth self-propulsion. The higher rating and lower long-term costs justify the $210 premium for most homeowners.
Choose the PowerSmart 22" if: You’re on a tight budget, have a 3/4–1 acre lawn, regularly cut thick or wet grass, or don’t want to manage battery charging. The wider deck and gas engine’s raw power make it a practical workhorse for larger, more demanding yards.