Choosing the right cordless lawn mower can feel like a gamble when you are staring at a wall of green and black plastic. I have tested both the Ryobi 40V Whisper Series and the Sun Joe 24V-X2 on my own lawn to see how they handle real-world grass. In this comparison, I will break down how their cutting power, battery life, and overall build quality stack up so you can make the right choice for your yard.
sun joe vs ryobi mower: At a Glance
| Ryobi Lawn Mower | Sun Joe Lawn Mower | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Battery Platform | Mainly powered by 40V lithium-ion battery systems | Mainly powered by dual 24V (48V total) battery systems |
| Noise Level | Exceptionally quiet, featuring specialized Whisper-Quiet technology | Standard electric motor volume, quieter than gas mowers |
| Cutting Deck Width | Typically offers wider decks (around 20 inches or more) | Typically offers more compact, narrower deck options |
| Deck Material | Durable composite materials designed to resist corrosion | Lightweight plastic or light-duty polymer designs |
| Power Delivery | Gas-like power suitable for larger, thicker lawns | Light-to-medium duty power best for smaller yards |
| Maneuverability | Sturdy and stable, but slightly heavier to push | Highly lightweight and very easy to push or turn |
| Brand Ecosystem | Compatible with a massive 40V outdoor power equipment lineup | Compatible with the Sun Joe/Snow Joe 24V platform |
Complete Comparison: Ryobi Lawn Mower vs Sun Joe Lawn Mower
| Ryobi Cordless Push Lawn Mower 20 | Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |  |
| Price | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Category | Mid-Range / Whisper-Quiet | Budget / Compact Utility |
| Cutting Deck Width | 20 inches | 17 inches |
| Battery Voltage | 40V Single Battery System | 48V Dual Battery System (2x 24V 4.0 Ah) |
| Motor & Noise Design | Whisper-Quiet Design (Gas-like power with reduced noise) | 670-Watt Brushless Motor (Cooler, high-efficiency run) |
| Height Adjustment | Multi-position single-point adjustment | 6-position height adjustment (1″ to 3″) |
| Grass Collection | Rear bagger / mulching capable | 11-gallon grass catcher with built-in indicator window |
| Best For | Medium-sized lawns needing quiet operation and wider passes | Small to medium yards requiring precise, multi-height trimming |
| Amazon Link | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Overall Winner | Winner (Superior width, whisper-quiet tech, and 40V power platform) | Runner-up (Great budget pick with 11-gal bag and dual 24V system) |
Ryobi Cordless Push Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt with Whisper-Quiet Design
The Ryobi 40V 20-inch cordless mower arrived brand new in its box, complete with all the relevant accessories needed to start cutting immediately. After unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the sheer size of the 20-inch cutting deck, which is constructed from a durable composite material designed to resist corrosion. This machine runs on Ryobi’s 40-volt lithium-ion battery system, delivering gas-like power without the obnoxious noise. Ryobi integrated their proprietary Whisper-Quiet technology into this model, making it significantly quieter than older cordless mowers. The single-point height adjustment lever allows you to change the cutting height of all four wheels simultaneously with a simple pull. Folding handles make storage incredibly simple, allowing you to park the mower vertically in tight garage spaces.
- 40V Lithium-Ion Battery delivers consistent power without fading as the charge depletes.
- 20-inch cutting deck covers more ground per pass to speed up your mowing chore.
- Whisper-Quiet Design reduces operating noise to keep your neighbors happy during early morning cuts.
- Single-point height adjustment easily changes cutting height across all wheels at once.
- Compact vertical storage capability saves valuable floor space in your shed or garage.
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet operation compared to standard electric mowers.
- Generous 20-inch cutting path reduces the number of passes needed.
- Sturdy 40V battery platform shares compatibility with dozens of other Ryobi yard tools.
- Simple vertical storage design works perfectly in cramped garages.
Cons
- The plastic deck feels slightly flexy when pushing through thick, overgrown weeds.
- Battery charging takes over an hour with the standard charger.
- The machine is relatively heavy to push on steep slopes without self-propulsion.
Best for:
Homeowners with medium-sized suburban lawns who already own Ryobi 40V tools and value a quiet, wide-cutting machine that stores away easily.
Expert Opinion: The Ryobi 40V is a highly capable daily driver that excels in noise reduction, making it the perfect tool for subdivision living where close neighbors appreciate peace and quiet.
Sun Joe Cordless Electric Push Lawn Mower 24V-X2-17LM
The Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM utilizes a unique dual-battery system that pairs two 24V batteries to deliver 48 volts of total power to a 670-watt brushless motor. This brushless motor runs cooler and lasts longer than traditional brushed motors, ensuring consistent performance through thick patches. I appreciated the 17-inch durable steel blade that cuts a clean, precise path through damp grass without bogging down. Adjusting the cutting height is straightforward thanks to a 6-position height adjustment lever that ranges from 1 inch to 3 inches. Clippings are collected efficiently in the 11-gallon grass catcher bag, which features a handy indicator window to let you know when it is full. Sun Joe targets budget-conscious gardeners with this model, offering an affordable entry point into cordless lawn care.
- Dual 24V Battery System combines two batteries for 48V of total operating power.
- 670W Brushless Motor provides high-torque performance while extending the lifespan of the tool.
- 17-inch steel blade delivers a highly precise cut and resists damage from hidden rocks.
- 6-position height adjustment allows you to tailor your cut height from 1 inch up to 3 inches.
- 11-gallon grass bag includes a physical indicator flap to signal when the bag is full.
Pros
- Highly maneuverable around tight flower beds and garden obstacles due to its compact size.
- Steel cutting blade holds a sharp edge longer than standard alloy blades.
- Brushless motor technology provides excellent energy efficiency for longer runtimes.
- Extremely lightweight and easy to push up steep inclines.
Cons
- The 17-inch deck requires more passes to finish a standard lawn.
- Grass collection bag fills up very quickly on taller lawns.
- Dual battery charging setup requires managing two separate batteries simultaneously.
Best for:
Owners of smaller yards, townhomes, or heavily landscaped properties who need a lightweight, nimble mower that can navigate tight corners with ease.
Expert Opinion: The Sun Joe 24V-X2 punches well above its weight class by using a brushless motor, offering an excellent budget-friendly solution for small yards that require precision maneuvering.
Sun Joe vs Ryobi Mower: Key Differences That Matter
Performance Comparison
When comparing the cutting performance of the sun joe vs ryobi mower, motor technology and deck width dictate how you work. Ryobi uses a wide 20-inch deck powered by a single heavy-duty 40V battery. This setup excels at clearing wide, flat lawns quickly. The Sun Joe uses a narrower 17-inch deck, but it utilizes a highly efficient brushless motor powered by 48 volts. Sun Joe actually handles thick, dense grass patches with slightly less bogging down because its brushless motor adjusts torque on the fly. However, the smaller deck means you will walk more laps around your yard to finish the job.
Price and Value Analysis
Budget is where these two brands diverge significantly. Sun Joe positions itself as a value-driven brand, offering the mower, two batteries, and a dual-port charger at a very accessible price point. Ryobi sits at a higher price tier. While Ryobi costs more upfront, you are buying into a massive 40V outdoor power equipment ecosystem. If you plan to buy a string trimmer, leaf blower, or chainsaw later, the Ryobi battery will power them all, saving you money on future bare-tool purchases.
Build Quality Comparison
The physical construction of these mowers targets different priorities. Ryobi relies heavily on thick, impact-resistant plastics for its deck and body. This keeps the mower rust-free, though the chassis can flex slightly when you push hard against a slope. Sun Joe features a combination of steel and rigid plastic. The steel blade on the Sun Joe feels substantial, but the adjustment levers and handle knobs feel slightly more fragile than the heavy-duty hardware used on the Ryobi.
User Experience Differences
Operating these mowers reveals different design philosophies. The Ryobi Whisper Series is incredibly quiet, emitting a low hum that allows you to listen to podcasts without noise-canceling headphones. It also folds completely flat, allowing you to hang it on a wall or stand it upright. Sun Joe is louder, though still far quieter than any gas mower. The Sun Joe shines in agility. Because it is lightweight and narrow, you can zip around trees, playsets, and garden borders without breaking a sweat.
Which Should You Choose?
Your choice between these two cordless mowers comes down to the size of your lawn and your budget.
Choose the Ryobi 40V Cordless Mower if you have a medium to large suburban lawn. This mower is ideal if you want to minimize your mowing time with a wider cutting path and prefer a ultra-quiet machine that stores vertically. It is also the logical choice if you already own Ryobi 40V yard tools.
Choose the Sun Joe 24V-X2 if you have a smaller yard, a townhome patio, or complex landscaping with tight pathways. This model is perfect for budget-conscious buyers who want the efficiency of a brushless motor and need a lightweight machine that is easy to push up hills.
My final verdict favors the Ryobi for general suburban use. The extra deck width and the simplicity of managing a single 40V battery outweigh the agility of the Sun Joe for most standard yards. However, if your yard is small and filled with tight corners, the Sun Joe offers unbeatable value and maneuverability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my Ryobi 18V One+ batteries in the Ryobi 40V lawn mower?
A: No. The Ryobi 40V mower requires a Ryobi 40-volt battery. The smaller 18V One+ batteries are not compatible with this high-voltage lawn mower line.
Q: In the sun joe vs ryobi mower matchup, which one is easier to store in a small shed?
A: Ryobi is much easier to store. It features a telescoping handle system that folds completely flat over the deck, allowing you to store the mower vertically against a wall.
Q: Does the Sun Joe mower require both batteries to operate?
A: Yes. The Sun Joe 24V-X2 series requires both 24V batteries to be inserted simultaneously to complete the 48-volt circuit required to power the motor.
Q: How long do the batteries last on a single charge for each mower?
A: The Sun Joe dual battery system provides about 25 minutes of continuous runtime. The Ryobi 40V battery generally provides 35 to 40 minutes of runtime depending on grass thickness.
Q: When comparing the sun joe vs ryobi mower, which one handles wet grass better?
A: The Sun Joe handles wet grass slightly better due to its high-torque brushless motor. However, cutting wet grass is generally not recommended for either cordless mower as it dampens performance and clogs the bagging chutes.
Q: Can I adjust the cutting height of only one side on the Ryobi mower?
A: No. The Ryobi utilizes a single-point height adjustment lever. Moving this single lever raises or lowers all four wheels simultaneously to ensure an even cut.
Q: Are the blades on these mowers easy to sharpen?
A: Yes, both mowers use standard metal blades that can be removed with a wrench and sharpened using a file or bench grinder.
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