Choosing between cordless mowers often comes down to matching physical scale and electrical capacity to the layout of your property: the Greenworks 80V 21 is a heavy-duty, self-propelled powerhouse featuring an 80-volt battery system and a broad 21-inch steel deck built to clear expansive suburban turf with minimal effort, while the Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ is an agile, 18-volt push mower engineered with a compact 13-inch deck that maneuvers through tight gates and navigates small city plots where larger machines struggle to fit.
Homeowners managing quarter-acre or larger lawns with inclines and thick grass will benefit most from the motorized drive and wide swath of the Greenworks model. Urban dwellers, townhome residents, or those with tiny fenced yards should select the compact Ryobi unit for effortless pushing, simple carrying, and seamless storage in crowded sheds.
Greenworks 80V 21 vs Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ at a Glance
| Feature | Greenworks 80V 21 | Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Width | 21 inches | 13 inches |
| Battery System Voltage | 80V | 18V |
| Drive Mechanism | Self-propelled rear-wheel drive | Manual push |
| Deck Construction | Steel | Metal |
| Grass Management Options | 3-in-1 (mulch, rear bag, side discharge) | 2-in-1 (mulch, rear bag) |
| Cutting Height Range | 0.14 to 3.38 inches (7 positions) | 1.5 to 4.0 inches (7 positions) |
| Battery Runtime | Up to 45 minutes (4.0Ah battery) | Up to 30 minutes |
| Total Weight | 64.2 pounds | 50 pounds |
| Storage Design | Folding handles with vertical standing | Folding handles with vertical standing |
| Best For | Medium to large lawns and rolling terrain | Small urban yards and restricted passageways |
Cutting Width and Mowing Efficiency
The primary factor determining how long you spend cutting your grass is the width of the mower deck. A wider deck cuts more grass on every pass, directly reducing the total walking distance required to finish your lawn. The Greenworks 80V 21 cutting width spans a generous 21 inches across its steel deck, mirroring the standard size of commercial-style gas machines. In contrast, the Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ utilizes a narrow 13-inch cutting swath designed specifically for tight confines rather than open-field speed.
When you compare the path of each cut, the math reveals a drastic difference in mowing time. Sweeping a 21-inch path clears roughly 62 percent more surface area per pass than a 13-inch deck. For an open lawn, choosing the smaller Ryobi means walking substantially more passes across the turf to achieve the same result. However, wide decks can turn into a liability if your yard contains narrow garden pathways, tightly spaced raised beds, or access gates less than two feet wide. To see how commercial-width battery decks compare to other full-size options, check out our breakdown of the greenworks 80v 21 vs toro 60v max 21 in. recycler.
Choosing the Greenworks 80V 21 or Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ for small yard maintenance hinges entirely on yard architecture. If your lawn is a straightforward rectangle, the broad deck on the Greenworks machine finishes the job in record time. If your property is a maze of obstacles, decorative fencing, and steep stone borders, the diminutive 13-inch footprint of the Ryobi allows you to trim clean edges without pulling out a secondary string trimmer.
Edge: Greenworks 80V 21 because its 21-inch cutting deck covers significantly more turf in fewer passes.
Power, Voltage, and Motor Performance
Motor strength and battery potential dictate how cleanly a mower slices through heavy blades without stalling. The Greenworks 80V vs Ryobi 18V mower matchup represents two completely different tiers of cordless power delivery. Greenworks equips its unit with an 80-volt brushless motor engineered to deliver high torque under load, providing gas-like performance on dense turf. The Ryobi mower relies on an 18-volt motor configured for light-to-moderate residential trimming within the widely used ONE+ platform.
A notable feature on the Greenworks unit is its SmartCut technology, which automatically senses grass density and adjusts motor output in real time. When you push into thick clover or damp turf, the motor increases its power output to keep blade speed high, preventing ragged tearing. When running through lighter grass, the system drops output to conserve stored energy. The Ryobi 18-volt motor runs at a steady pace suited for regular weekly cuts, but it will work noticeably harder if the turf becomes damp or overgrown.
For demanding lawns with coarse grasses like St. Augustine or Bermuda, higher voltage maintains clean cutting lines and prevents under-deck clumping. Readers evaluating high-voltage electric platforms can explore another popular head-to-head in our comparison of the ego lm2130sp vs greenworks 80v 21. On standard fine fescue or Kentucky bluegrass that is cut frequently, the 18V Ryobi motor performs smoothly, provided the operator does not allow the grass to double its recommended height.
Edge: Greenworks 80V 21 for its high-voltage 80V brushless motor and automatic load-sensing torque adjustment.
Drive Mechanism and Physical Handling
How a mower moves across the ground impacts physical fatigue just as much as cutting width. The Greenworks mower features an automatic, self-propelled rear-wheel drive system equipped with variable speed control. Operators can dial in their preferred walking pace, allowing the rear wheels to pull the machine forward over uneven turf, gentle slopes, and long stretches of open lawn. In contrast, the Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ is a manual push mower that relies solely on human power to propel the wheels.
Despite lacking a drive motor, the Ryobi has an advantage in overall mass. At 50 pounds, the Ryobi is relatively light for a mower with a metal frame, allowing users to guide it effortlessly across flat turf, pull it backward out of dead ends, and pivot around trees without breaking stride. The Greenworks model weighs 64.2 pounds and measures 62.6 inches deep by 37.8 inches wide by 22.05 inches tall. While the rear-wheel drive negates its weight during forward motion, navigating tight three-point turns requires more upper-body effort than maneuvering the Ryobi.
The choice between self-propulsion and manual push depends heavily on property topography. Pushing a 50-pound manual machine up an incline quickly tires the user, making self-propulsion a necessity for sloped terrain. For deeper insights on how compact push models stack up against high-voltage alternatives on varied terrain, read our analysis of the ryobi 13 in. one+ vs kobalt 80v. On perfectly level ground with lots of sharp corners, the manual push action of the Ryobi provides pinpoint steering control that self-propelled drives cannot match.
Edge: Tie because the Greenworks provides motorized rear-wheel drive for open yards while the lightweight Ryobi delivers superior nimble handling in confined corners.
Battery Runtime and Charging Speed
Cordless mowing convenience relies on sufficient run time to finish the job without taking an unscheduled pause. The Greenworks 80V 21 run time reaches up to 45 minutes on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery, though real-world performance varies depending on turf thickness and self-propelled speed settings. The manufacturer includes a 60-minute rapid charger in the box, ensuring that a depleted battery can return to full capacity within an hour.
On the other side of the matchup, the Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ battery life provides up to 30 minutes of continuous operation on a single charge, which the manufacturer states can cover up to a quarter acre of light turf. Because it lacks a power-hungry drive motor, all battery output flows directly to the cutting blade. However, 30 minutes leaves very little buffer if the grass is wet or tall, requiring steady forward progress to finish before the battery depletes.
When planning yard work, the combination of a 45-minute runtime and rapid charging makes the Greenworks system significantly more adaptable to larger properties. If you run out of juice halfway through a mow, a quick one-hour break fully recharges the 80V pack. To see how the 80-volt platform performs against other high-end competitors, see our direct review of the greenworks 80v 21 vs kobalt 80v. The Ryobi 18V system is well-suited for owners who already own extra ONE+ battery packs, allowing an immediate swap without waiting on a charger.
Edge: Greenworks 80V 21 due to its 45-minute runtime and rapid 60-minute recharge cycle.
Grass Clipping Disposal and Height Adjustment
A versatile lawn mower adapts to seasonal grass growth through flexible clipping disposal and broad height ranges. The Greenworks machine offers complete 3-in-1 functionality right out of the box, allowing users to mulch clippings fine, collect them in a rear fabric bag, or discharge them out the side for overgrown areas. Height adjustments are handled via a single lever that shifts the 21-inch deck across 7 distinct positions, ranging from an ultra-low 0.14 inches up to 3.38 inches.
The Ryobi mower provides a 2-in-1 management setup that accommodates mulching and rear bagging with an easy-lift bag removal system. It does not offer a side discharge chute, which means cutting through exceptionally tall grass requires either mulching slowly or bagging clippings to avoid clogging the underside of the deck. Its single-point height adjustment also features 7 positions, but the actual cutting range spans from 1.5 inches up to 4.0 inches.
The differences in cutting heights impact how you care for specific turf species. The Greenworks minimum cut height of 0.14 inches allows for extremely close scalping, which is useful when preparing warm-season grasses for overseeding. However, its maximum height stops at 3.38 inches. The Ryobi allows owners of tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass to maintain a taller 4-inch lawn during hot summer months, protecting roots from scorching. Still, the inclusion of side discharge gives the Greenworks a distinct practical edge when tackling neglected grass.
Edge: Greenworks 80V 21 for offering side discharge capability alongside mulching and rear bagging.
Storage Footprint and Portability
When the mowing is done, a machine should fit cleanly into your storage space without dominating the garage floor. Both models incorporate folding handle assemblies and are engineered for vertical storage. The Greenworks listing highlights that its vertical storage mode frees up up to 70 percent of floor space compared to operating dimensions. Despite this space-saving design, its 21-inch steel deck and overall length of 62.6 inches still require a noticeable slice of wall space.
The Ryobi mower excels in compact storage environments. Weighing 50 pounds with a 13-inch cutting deck, its overall physical footprint is tiny compared to traditional lawn equipment. When the handles fold down and the machine stands vertically, it occupies barely more floor area than an upright vacuum cleaner. This compact stature makes it an exceptional choice for townhomes, garden sheds, or garages packed with vehicles and storage shelving.
Portability extends beyond floor space to moving the mower between work areas. Carrying the 50-pound Ryobi up porch steps or lifting it over garden retaining walls is manageable for a single individual. Hoisting the 64.2-pound Greenworks steel mower requires substantial physical effort. For homeowners comparing mid-size and compact alternatives, our head-to-head look at the ryobi 13 in. one+ vs toro 60v max 21 in. recycler offers additional perspective on machine agility and handling.
Edge: Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ because its compact deck and 50-pound footprint make it significantly easier to lift and tuck into tight storage spots.
Pros and Cons
Greenworks 80V 21
Pros
- Wide 21-inch durable steel deck
- Self-propelled rear-wheel drive with variable speed
- Powerful 80V brushless motor with SmartCut
- 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge
- Up to 45 minutes runtime with rapid charger
Cons
- Heavier 64.2-pound overall frame
- Maximum cut height capped at 3.38 inches
View Greenworks 80V 21 on Amazon
Ryobi 13 In. ONE+
Pros
- Compact 13-inch deck fits through narrow gates
- Lighter 50-pound build for easy maneuvering
- Taller 4-inch maximum cut height
- Single-point 7-position height adjustment lever
Cons
- Manual push operation without motor assist
- No side discharge capability included
- Shorter 30-minute average battery runtime
View Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ on Amazon
Who Should Buy Each One
Every lawn presents distinct challenges in acreage, terrain, and storage capacity. Review these specific ownership scenarios to determine which machine aligns best with your property maintenance routine.
Choose the Greenworks 80V 21 If
- You maintain a standard suburban lawn where a 21-inch cutting deck cuts total mowing time significantly.
- Your property features rolling terrain, ditches, or inclines where motorized rear-wheel drive prevents physical fatigue.
- You need the versatility of side discharge alongside rear bagging and mulching for tall or damp spring growth.
- You want high-voltage 80V brushless cutting power that automatically adjusts torque via SmartCut technology.
Choose the Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ If
- You manage a compact city yard, patio lawn, or townhome property up to a quarter acre in size.
- Your yard features narrow garden gates, stepping stones, or tight landscape borders that block standard 21-inch decks.
- You need a lighter 50-pound machine that is easy to lift, carry up steps, and maneuver without engine assist.
- You prefer maintaining your lawn at a taller 4-inch setting during hot summer weather to promote deep root growth.
Final Verdict
For the vast majority of homeowners with standard suburban properties, the Greenworks 80V 21 is the superior choice. Its 21-inch steel cutting deck, high-torque 80-volt brushless motor, and rear-wheel drive eliminate the physical grind of lawn care. Added features like SmartCut load sensing, 3-in-1 clipping disposal including side discharge, and up to 45 minutes of runtime with a 60-minute rapid charger provide a complete yard maintenance solution capable of replacing a gas mower entirely.
Conversely, the Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ wins decisively in small, complex spaces where large mowers simply cannot operate. If your lawn consists of pocket turf behind a townhouse, narrow gated side yards, or small green patches framed by intricate flower beds, the 13-inch metal deck and 50-pound manual push design offer unmatched agility and vertical storage convenience. Match the mower to your property size, and you will achieve a clean, hassle-free cut every weekend.
FAQ
Does the Greenworks 80V 21 come with a battery and charger?
Yes, the Greenworks 80V 21 package includes a 4.0Ah 80-volt lithium-ion battery and a 60-minute rapid charger, providing everything needed to start mowing immediately.
Can the Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ discharge grass out the side?
No, the Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ is a 2-in-1 mower designed exclusively for mulching and rear bagging. It does not feature a side discharge chute.
How do the cutting height ranges compare between these two models?
The Greenworks mower adjusts from 0.14 inches to 3.38 inches across 7 positions, offering extremely close trimming capability. The Ryobi mower also has 7 height positions but spans from 1.5 inches up to 4.0 inches, allowing for taller grass maintenance.
Can both of these lawn mowers be stored vertically?
Yes, both models feature folding handles and are engineered to stand upright for vertical storage, reducing floor space consumption in garages and storage sheds.
Is the Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ self-propelled?
No, the Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ operates in manual push mode. Because it weighs 50 pounds, it is designed to be pushed easily across small, flat lawns without motorized assistance.
What deck materials are used on these mowers?
The Greenworks 80V 21 is built with a heavy-duty 21-inch steel deck, while the Ryobi 13 in. ONE+ features a metal deck structure built for durability in a compact format.
