Lawn mowers are an essential tool for keeping your yard looking tidy and well-maintained. With many options on the market, it can be tough deciding between quality brands like Ryobi and Sun Joe.
This comprehensive guide compares Ryobi and Sun Joe lawn mowers across key factors like power, features, design, and cost to help you determine which is the best pick for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Ryobi | Sun Joe |
| Power Source | Cordless battery-powered | Corded electric & cordless battery-powered |
| Cutting Width | 18-42 inches | 14-21 inches |
| Cutting Height | 1-4 inches | 1.2-3.5 inches |
| Weight | 25-75 lbs | 25-43 lbs |
| Special Features | Variable speed, self-propelled, mulching/bagging/side discharge | Mulching/bagging, adjustable handle |
| Warranty | 3 years (battery 1 year) | 2 years |
| Average Cost | $200-500 | $150-350 |
Overview of Ryobi Lawn Mowers
Ryobi exclusively makes cordless battery-powered lawn mowers. Here are some key things to know about Ryobi mowers:
- Power Source: Ryobi mowers run on lithium-ion batteries ranging from 24V to 80V. Batteries typically last 30-45 minutes per charge.
- Cutting Width: Options range from 18-42 inches wide depending on model. Wider decks cover more ground in fewer passes.
- Special Features: Many Ryobi models have variable speed settings, self-propulsion, and the ability to mulch, bag, or side discharge grass clippings. Higher-end models may also have headlights and Bluetooth technology.
- Design: Ryobi mowers have compact, folding designs for easy storage. Ergonomic, adjustable handles provide control and comfort.
- Cost: Prices run from $200 for a basic 18-inch push mower up to $500 for a 42-inch self-propelled model with higher voltage battery. Batteries sold separately.
Overall, Ryobi offers well-designed cordless mowers with excellent power thanks to long-lasting lithium-ion batteries. They’re ideal for medium to large yards.
Overview of Sun Joe Lawn Mowers
Sun Joe manufactures both corded electric and cordless battery-powered mowers. Here are the key details about Sun Joe mowers:
- Power Source: Corded models plug into a power outlet. Cordless models run on a 40V lithium-ion battery. Batteries last 30-40 minutes.
- Cutting Width: Ranges from 14-21 inches wide depending on model. Wider decks are more efficient for larger yards.
- Special Features: Most Sun Joe mowers can mulch or bag clippings. Higher-end self-propelled models have adjustable handle heights.
- Design: Lightweight and compact with foldable handles and wheels for easy storage. Notable for quiet electric motors.
- Cost: Corded models start around $150. Cordless mowers with battery are $200-350.
In summary, Sun Joe offers affordable electric mowers that are compact and quiet – a great choice for smaller yards. Cordless models provide the freedom of no power cord.
Also Read: Comparison Between Toro Titan and TimeCutter
Key Differences Between Ryobi and Sun Joe
Now, let’s take a deeper dive into how Ryobi and Sun Joe electric lawn mowers stack up across some key factors:
Power and Performance
When it comes to power and performance, Ryobi cordless mowers edge out Sun Joe models.
Ryobi uses 24V to 80V lithium-ion battery systems that deliver consistent power and extended runtime of 45 minutes or more per charge. This allows Ryobi mowers to tackle thicker, taller grass without bogging down. The higher voltage 80V models perform as well or better than gas mowers.
Sun Joe corded mowers rely on an electrical outlet for continuous power. However, cordless Sun Joe mowers operate on lower 40V lithium-ion batteries that provide just 30-40 minutes of mowing per charge. This shorter runtime means less mowing capacity before needing a recharge.
In terms of cutting performance, the more rugged steel blades and higher torque motors of Ryobi enable excellent cutting on thicker grass while Sun Joe may struggle and slow down more on dense turf.
Overall, Ryobi clearly outperforms Sun Joe when it comes to battery-powered operation and cutting ability in challenging mowing conditions.
Cutting Width
Cutting width determines how much grass a mower cuts in a single pass – wider decks are more efficient for larger yards.
Ryobi offers a very wide range of cutting widths from 18-42 inches depending on the model. This allows buyers to choose the ideal width for their specific yard size. Wider 42-inch models like the Ryobi 40V are extremely efficient for properties over half an acre.
Sun Joe mowers have more limited cutting width options between just 14-21 inches. The wider 21-inch models work well for small to mid-sized yards up to a quarter acre. For bigger properties, Ryobi’s larger cutting widths up to 42 inches are much more productive.
In summary, Ryobi mowers clearly provide superior cutting width options to handle anything from small urban lawns to large rural properties.
Special Features
Both Ryobi and Sun Joe offer special features to enhance convenience and functionality. Here’s how they compare:
Ryobi’s advantages include variable speed settings on some models to match your mowing pace and terrain. Higher-end Ryobi mowers also have self-propulsion to make pushing effortless. You can choose bagging, mulching or side discharge of clippings. Some also have LED headlights for mowing at night and Bluetooth to track mowing activity.
Sun Joe mowers provide the key options of bagging or mulching grass. On higher-end self-propelled models, the handle height can be adjusted for comfort. These mowers also have very quiet electric motors compared to gas mowers. However, Sun Joe doesn’t offer advanced features like variable speed, headlights, or Bluetooth connectivity.
Overall, Ryobi offers a lot more innovation when it comes to special mower features – especially variable speed settings, self-propulsion, and electronic capabilities. So Ryobi is the winner for features.
Design
Ryobi and Sun Joe both designed their mowers to be compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. Here are some of the design differences:
Sun Joe mowers have very lightweight plastic bodies ranging from just 25-43 lbs. The compact size, foldable handle, and lightweight make Sun Joe models very easy to store in tight spaces.
Ryobi also makes their mowers compact and foldable for storage. However, the more powerful motors and cutting decks add weight, ranging from about 45 lbs for smaller models up to 75+ lbs for wider 42-inch mowers. But Ryobi still keeps the weight manageable.
Ergonomics are excellent on both brands. Ryobi mowers tend to have more adjustable handles and some have push button start. Sun Joe instead focuses on simple, intuitive controls.
For most users, Sun Joe’s smaller, lighter-weight designs may have an edge for portability and storage. But Ryobi still offers easy folding and a manageable size given their performance.
Also Watch This Review Video:
Cost
When comparing cost, Sun Joe mowers are generally more affordable, while Ryobi models range higher in price:
- Sun Joe corded electric mowers start around just $150. Cordless models with battery begin around $200, ranging up to $350 for higher-end self-propelled mowers with more power and features.
- Ryobi battery-powered push mowers start at $200 for more basic 18-inch models. The price climbs steadily for wider cutting decks, better batteries, and features like self-propulsion, going up to $500. Batteries are usually sold separately for $100-200.
Sun Joe offers a great value for smaller yards with simpler mowing needs. Ryobi costs more but provides extra power and capabilities for larger properties.
So if budget is your primary concern, Sun Joe comes out ahead. But Ryobi gives more value for the money with higher performance.
Warranty
The warranty coverage also differs between Ryobi and Sun Joe:
- Ryobi offers an impressive 3 year warranty on the mower and parts. Batteries have a 1 year warranty.
- Sun Joe provides a 2 year warranty on the mower and parts. Batteries also have a 2 year warranty.
Ryobi clearly provides more assurance of long-term reliability thanks to the additional year of warranty coverage compared to Sun Joe’s more limited 2 year warranties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Ryobi is one of the best cordless battery-powered mower brands. They offer excellent power and runtime thanks to advanced lithium-ion batteries. Ryobi mowers are built to reliably handle larger yards and thicker grass. Plus, they offer innovative features not found with many competitors.
Ryobi is one of the top cordless mower brands. Their lithium-ion battery packs deliver outstanding power and 45+ minutes of mowing time per charge. Ryobi offers many cutting width options for different yard sizes. Cordless Ryobi mowers are ideal for mowing efficiently without gasoline or power cords.
No, Ryobi lawn mowers are designed in the USA but primarily manufactured overseas in China and other Asian countries to allow for more affordable pricing on lithium-ion batteries and motors. But Ryobi mowers are still held to stringent quality control standards through extensive product testing and certification processes.
With proper maintenance and tune-ups, Sun Joe electric mowers typically last 4-7 years for average residential use. Their lighter weight design reduces wear and tear compared to heavier gas mowers. Storing the mower properly and replacing consumables like blades regularly maximizes lifespan. The 2 year warranty also provides assurance of reliability for the first couple seasons.
Final Thoughts
For small, flat yards on a budget, a Sun Joe corded or cordless electric mower is a great affordable choice at $150-350.
Buyers wanting maximum power and performance for challenging mowing conditions on all yard sizes will prefer Ryobi’s premium lithium-ion battery-powered models despite the higher costs.
Ryobi offers unmatched power, cutting efficiency, and versatility for residential mowing. But Sun Joe provides a more budget-friendly option for basic needs.
Take the time to consider your yard size, features needed, and budget to choose the best lawn mower for you.
