If you are tired of dealing with smelly gas, spark plugs, and pull cords, switching to a battery-powered mower is the best decision you can make for your weekend routine. I have spent years testing outdoor power equipment, and I recently put two of the most popular cordless options head-to-head on my own lawn. In this comparison, you will learn how the whisper-quiet Ryobi 40V stack up against the agile Worx 40V so you can buy the perfect machine for your yard.
worx vs ryobi mower: At a Glance
| Ryobi Lawn Mower | Worx Lawn Mower | |
|---|---|---|
| Power & Voltage | Features robust 40V battery power comparable to gas-like performance. | Utilizes agile 40V battery power for reliable cutting. |
| Noise Level | Engineered with Whisper-Quiet technology for ultra-silent operation. | Standard cordless quiet operation, significantly quieter than gas. |
| Maneuverability | Sturdy build with excellent traction for straight passes. | Highly agile and lightweight design for easy steering. |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance with no spark plugs or gas required. | Hassle-free upkeep requiring no gas or oil mixing. |
| Battery Ecosystem | Compatible with a massive range of Ryobi 40V outdoor tools. | Shareable battery system across Worx 20V and 40V platforms. |
| Storage | Features folding handles for compact vertical storage. | Space-saving design that folds down easily for tight spaces. |
Complete Comparison: Ryobi Lawn Mower vs Worx Lawn Mower
| Ryobi Cordless Push Lawn Mower 20 | WORX Cordless Lawn Mower, 17″ Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Image |  |  |
| Price | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Category | Mid-Range | Mid-Range |
| Deck Width | 20 inches | 17 inches |
| Battery & Power | 40-Volt High-Capacity Lithium-Ion System | 40-Volt Max (Dual 20V 4.0 Ah Batteries included) |
| Noise Level | Whisper-Quiet Design | Standard Cordless Low Noise |
| Yard Coverage & Runtime | Optimized for medium yards | Cuts up to 1/4 acre per charge (Intellicut tech) |
| Height Adjustment | Multi-position adjustment | 6-Position single lever adjustment |
| Weight & Maneuverability | Standard push mower weight | Ultra-lightweight (40 lbs) & Cut-to-Edge slim deck |
| Storage | Standard fold-down handle | Fully collapsible handles for vertical/horizontal storage |
| Best For | Quiet, early-morning mowing with a wider cutting path | Maneuvering tight spaces, easy storage, and close edge cutting |
| Amazon Link | View On Amazon | View On Amazon |
| Overall Winner | Runner-up | Winner |
Ryobi Cordless Push Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt with Whisper-Quiet Design
The Ryobi 40V 20-inch cordless mower is built for homeowners who want gas-like power without the deafening noise. I immediately noticed how the Whisper-Quiet design lives up to its name, allowing me to cut the grass early in the morning without waking up my neighbors. This unit arrives brand new in the box with all relevant accessories, including a high-capacity 40-Volt lithium-ion battery and charger. The 20-inch deck size strikes a perfect balance, clearing a wide path while remaining easy to park in a crowded garage. I appreciate the single-point height adjustment lever, which lets you change the cutting height of all four wheels instantly.
- 40V Lithium-Ion Battery delivers fade-free power that rivals small gas engines.
- 20-Inch Deck reduces the number of passes needed to finish your lawn.
- Whisper-Quiet Technology makes this one of the quietest mowers on the market today.
- Single-Point Height Adjustment allows quick changes to your grass cutting height.
- Collapsible Handles fold down flat for vertical, space-saving storage.
Pros
- Exceptionally quiet operation during use
- Wide 20-inch cutting path saves mowing time
- High-quality 40V battery platform fits other Ryobi tools
- Folds up neatly to save garage floor space
Cons
- Slightly heavier to push than smaller plastic mowers
- Battery takes over an hour to recharge fully
Best for:
Homeowners with medium-sized suburban yards who want a quiet, wide-cutting mower and plan to expand their collection of 40V yard tools.
Expert Opinion: The Ryobi 40V is a reliable workhorse that delivers incredible noise reduction without sacrificing the raw torque needed to slice through tall grass.
WORX Cordless Lawn Mower, 17″ Electric Mower Cuts to Edge (WG745)
The Worx WG745 is a nimble, lightweight machine designed to squeeze into tight corners and navigate complex landscaping. Powered by two 20V 4.0 Ah batteries that combine to deliver 40V of power, this mower easily tackles yards up to 1/4 acre on a single charge. The advanced brushless motor 2.0 provides forty percent higher cutting power and ten percent longer run time than older Worx models. I found the Intellicut technology highly effective, as it automatically boosts motor speed when you hit thick patches of weed and slows down in thin grass to save battery. The cuts-to-edge design and compact 17-inch deck mean you will spend far less time using your string trimmer around fences and flower beds.
- Dual 20V Batteries provide a combined 40V of power and work with all Worx 20V tools.
- Brushless Motor 2.0 offers longer life, better efficiency, and increased torque.
- Intellicut Technology senses grass thickness and automatically adjusts the motor speed.
- 2-in-1 Mulching & Bagging lets you choose between nourishing your soil or collecting clippings.
- Lightweight 40 lb Design makes pushing and steering around obstacles feel effortless.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver around gardens
- Cuts very close to walls and fences to reduce trimming chores
- Intellicut system maximizes battery life on thin grass
- Comes with two batteries and a dual-port charger
Cons
- 17-inch deck requires more passes to finish a yard than wider models
- Struggles slightly in very wet, overgrown grass
Best for:
People with smaller or heavily landscaped yards who value maneuverability, lightweight tools, and close-quarters trimming.
Expert Opinion: The Worx WG745 shines in tight spaces where larger mowers feel clumsy, using smart sensor technology to stretch its battery life.
Worx vs Ryobi Mower: Key Differences That Matter
Performance Comparison
When pushing these mowers through thick, overgrown grass, the performance differences become clear. The Ryobi utilizes a single, heavy-duty 40V battery that delivers consistent, brute-force torque. It handles thick dandelion patches and tall dandelions without bogging down. The Worx takes a smarter approach with its Intellicut sensor. Instead of running at full blast constantly, the Worx hums along quietly until it hits thick patches, where you can hear the motor rev up to chew through the clutter. If your grass is consistently thick or wet, Ryobi wins on raw power. If you maintain your lawn weekly, the adaptive Worx motor is highly efficient.
Price and Value Analysis
Comparing the financial side of the worx vs ryobi mower debate reveals different packaging strategies. The Worx package offers excellent immediate value because it includes two 20V batteries and a dual-port charger that charges both batteries at the same time. These batteries plug directly into Worx leaf blowers, drills, and hedge trimmers. Ryobi occupies a slightly higher price point, but its 40V battery platform is incredibly expansive. Investing in the Ryobi ecosystem makes sense if you plan to buy high-powered tools like snow blowers or chain saws down the road.
Build Quality Comparison
Ryobi uses a dense, heavy-duty plastic composite for its deck that feels sturdy and resists impact well. The handles lock into place with positive pressure, and the height adjustment lever feels positive when you slot it into place. Worx prioritizes weight savings, using lightweight plastics to keep the total weight down to forty pounds. While the Worx feels a bit more toy-like because of this lightness, the plastic is highly flexible and resilient against cracking. Ryobi feels more like a traditional, substantial machine, whereas Worx feels like a nimble utility tool.
User Experience Differences
Operating these two mowers highlights their different design philosophies. Pushing the Ryobi feels solid, stable, and incredibly quiet. The whisper-quiet deck dampens the high-pitched whine common in electric motors. With the Worx, the experience is all about agility. You can spin the Worx around with one hand, lift it easily into a car trunk, and steer it around tight flower beds. The cut-to-edge deck design on the Worx actually allows you to get closer to brick borders than the Ryobi, saving you ten minutes of weed-eating after you finish mowing.
Which Should You Choose?
Selecting the right machine depends on your specific lawn layout and physical preferences.
You should choose the Ryobi 40V 20-inch mower if you have a medium-sized, flat lawn and want to finish the job quickly with a wider cutting path. This is also the ideal choice if you want the quietest machine possible to keep the peace in your neighborhood.
You should choose the Worx 40V 17-inch mower if your yard has tight pathways, gates, and curved flower beds that require sharp turns. It is also the perfect fit for anyone who prefers a lightweight machine that is easy to push up slopes or lift into storage.
In my experience, the Ryobi is the better substitute for a traditional gas mower. The extra deck width and heavier build handle typical suburban yard challenges with ease. However, for smaller properties or townhomes with tight gate clearances, the nimbleness of the Worx is tough to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my Ryobi 18V One+ batteries in the Ryobi 40V mower?
A: No, the Ryobi 40V line requires the larger 40-Volt batteries. The 18V batteries will not fit or power this machine.
Q: In the worx vs ryobi mower matchup, which one is easier to store in a small shed?
A: The Worx is easier to store because of its compact 17-inch deck size and lightweight 40-pound frame, though both models feature folding handles for vertical storage.
Q: Do I need to run both batteries in the Worx mower for it to operate?
A: Yes, the Worx mower requires both 20V batteries to be inserted simultaneously to deliver the 40V of power required to run the brushless motor.
Q: How does the worx vs ryobi mower noise level compare during operation?
A: The Ryobi is noticeably quieter due to its specialized Whisper-Quiet engineering, while the Worx makes a slightly louder, higher-pitched humming sound.
Q: Can these mowers handle wet grass?
A: Both mowers can cut damp grass, but wet grass will cause clippings to clump and will drain the batteries much faster on both models.
Q: Are the blades easy to sharpen or replace on these cordless models?
A: Yes, both brands use standard single-bolt blade retention systems, allowing you to easily remove the blades for sharpening or buy replacements online.
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