WORX WG779 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch 2 Batteries Review: The Featherweight Champion for Small Yards?

There’s a certain kind of lawn that big mowers dread. It’s not the sprawling half-acre expanse; it’s the small, postage-stamp patch of green in an urban backyard, the narrow strip of turf between a driveway and a fence, or the intricate garden landscape with flower beds that demand surgical precision. For years, my secondary mower for these tricky spots was a clunky, aging gas model. It was overkill, a cannon to kill a mosquito. The process was always the same: prime the engine, wrestle with the pull cord, endure the fumes and roar, all for a ten-minute job. It felt inefficient and frustrating. The alternative, a corded mower, meant constantly wrestling with an extension cord, risking running it over, and being tethered like a dog on a leash. This chore, which should be simple, became a source of dread. I knew there had to be a better way—a solution that was lightweight, powerful enough, and free from the tyranny of cords and gasoline.

What to Consider Before Buying a Walk-Behind Lawn Mower

A walk-behind lawn mower is more than just an item for yard maintenance; it’s a key solution for achieving a clean, healthy, and manicured lawn without the expense or scale of a riding mower. For homeowners, it represents independence from landscaping services and the satisfaction of caring for one’s own property. The main benefits lie in their accessibility, ease of use, and suitability for the vast majority of suburban and urban yards. They provide the control and precision needed to navigate around obstacles like trees, gardens, and patios, ensuring a consistent cut across your entire property. Investing in the right model means less time working and more time enjoying your outdoor space, transforming a weekly chore into a quick and even pleasant task.

The ideal customer for a compact, battery-powered model like the WORX WG779 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch 2 Batteries is someone facing the challenges of a small yard (typically 1/8 acre or less), limited storage space, and a desire to avoid the maintenance, noise, and emissions of gasoline engines. This includes first-time homeowners, residents of townhouses or patio homes, and older individuals who need a lightweight, easy-to-start machine. It’s perfect for those who have intricate landscaping or secondary areas their larger riding mower can’t reach. Conversely, this type of mower might not be suitable for those with large, open properties exceeding a quarter-acre, as the smaller cutting deck and battery runtime would make the job inefficient. If you have a massive lawn, a larger gas-powered or a higher-voltage, wider-deck electric mower would be a more practical alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Deck Size & Cutting Width: The deck size determines how wide a path you cut with each pass. A smaller deck, like the 14-inch one on this WORX model (which yields a 13-inch cutting width), is incredibly maneuverable in tight spaces but requires more passes on open ground. A larger deck (20-21 inches) is more efficient for bigger lawns but can be cumbersome around obstacles.
• Power Source & Runtime: Battery-powered mowers offer incredible convenience but are limited by their battery life. Consider the battery’s voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah)—higher numbers generally mean more power and longer runtime. For the WORX WG779, the 40V system is powered by two 20V 4.0Ah batteries, which is ample for its recommended yard size of up to 1/8 acre.
• Materials & Durability: Mower decks are typically made of steel or a durable polymer/polypropylene. Steel is heavier and more robust against impacts but can rust. Polypropylene decks, like the one on the WG779, are rust-proof and significantly lighter, which greatly enhances maneuverability and reduces user fatigue, though they may be less resistant to severe impacts.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features like single-lever height adjustment, push-button start, and low-maintenance electric motors. The WORX WG779 excels here, offering a simple start system and requiring no oil changes or gas fill-ups. Long-term care is minimal—just keep the blade sharp and the underside of the deck clean.

Understanding these factors will help you choose a mower that not only cuts your grass but also fits perfectly with your yard, your physical needs, and your lifestyle.

While the WORX WG779 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch 2 Batteries is an excellent choice for its specific niche, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Toy-Sized Mower with Serious Intent

Unboxing the WORX WG779 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch 2 Batteries, the first word that came to mind was “compact.” The second was, admittedly, “toy.” Many users report this initial reaction, and ours was no different. Weighing in at under 30 pounds, it felt almost impossibly light compared to the gas mowers we’re used to testing. Assembly was a breeze; as one new homeowner noted, it was one of the “easiest things to put together.” You simply unfold the handle, lock it into place with two knobs, and it’s ready to go. The two 20V 4.0Ah batteries clicked into the included dual charger, and while they took a few hours for their initial charge, the process was straightforward. The mower’s body is made of a thick, durable polypropylene plastic in WORX’s signature black and orange. While it may not have the rugged metal feel of a classic mower, this design choice is entirely intentional. This isn’t built to be a bruiser; it’s built to be nimble, accessible, and unbelievably easy to handle.

Deep Dive: Analyzing the WORX WG779’s Real-World Performance

A mower’s true worth is proven on the lawn, not in the box. We put the WORX WG779 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch 2 Batteries through a series of tests on different types of small lawns—from a simple rectangular patch to a complex backyard dotted with flower beds and a winding path. We evaluated its power, handling, and overall user experience to see if its performance could overcome that initial “toy-like” impression.

Power and Performance: The 40V PowerShare System and Intellicut Technology

The heart of this mower is WORX’s 40V PowerShare system, which smartly combines two 20V 4.0Ah batteries to deliver 40 volts of cutting power. This is a brilliant ecosystem approach, as these batteries can be swapped into over 140 other WORX tools, from weed whackers to drills. During our testing, the power was surprisingly robust for such a small machine. We started on a standard, well-maintained lawn, and the mower hummed along quietly, leaving a clean, even cut. The real test came with a patch of slightly overgrown and damp grass. This is where WORX’s patented Intellicut technology came into play. We could hear the motor automatically ramp up its speed and torque to power through the thicker sections without stalling. One user confirmed this, noting, “I had to raise the wheels to cut a particularly high and thick grass area but it did a great job and the grass was even slightly wet.” While it’s not designed to tackle a completely neglected field, for typical weekly or bi-weekly mowing, its power is more than adequate.

Battery life was a standout feature. The product is rated for up to 1/8 acre (or 5,500 sq. ft.), and we found this to be an accurate, even conservative, estimate. We mowed a 2,500 sq. ft. area twice, and the onboard battery indicator still showed plenty of charge remaining. This aligns with feedback from many owners, one of whom was “really pleased that I’m not going to have to charge them every time I mow” their small urban lawn. The dual-port charger replenishes both batteries in a few hours, which, as another user pointed out, is not an issue since you aren’t using it daily. The power and runtime of the WORX WG779 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch 2 Batteries are perfectly matched to its intended purpose, delivering reliable performance for the small-yard homeowner.

Design and Ergonomics: Featherlight Agility for Complex Yards

This is where the mower truly shines and its “toy-like” feel transforms from a potential criticism into its greatest asset. At just over 29 pounds, it feels less like you’re pushing a heavy piece of machinery and more like you’re guiding a vacuum cleaner. We navigated it with one hand around tight corners, tree bases, and along fence lines with a level of precision that a heavier, wider mower could never achieve. This incredible maneuverability is a game-changer for those with intricate landscaping. As one user aptly put it, “it is very light and that makes it very maneuverable in smaller spaces.” The compact 14-inch deck, while a drawback for open fields, is a massive advantage here. It allows you to get into narrow passages and trim edges with ease, reducing the amount of follow-up work needed with a string trimmer.

The ergonomic design extends to storage and transport. The handle collapses completely with quick-release levers, allowing the mower to be stored vertically against a wall or horizontally on a shelf, taking up minimal garage space. A built-in carry handle is perfectly balanced, making it easy to lift the mower up a few steps onto a porch or into a vehicle. This lightweight portability is a feature repeatedly praised by users, especially older individuals or those with limited physical strength. One reviewer celebrated this, stating, “It is so light, even grandma could easily do it.” The WORX WG779 proves that thoughtful, lightweight design can completely redefine the user experience, turning a laborious task into a quick and effortless one.

Functionality and Versatility: 2-in-1 Mulching, Bagging, and Easy Adjustments

Despite its small size, the WORX WG779 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch 2 Batteries doesn’t skimp on core mowing functions. It offers both mulching and bagging capabilities, making it adaptable to different lawn conditions and personal preferences. To switch to mulching, you simply insert the included mulch plug into the rear discharge chute—a process that takes seconds. During our tests, the mulching performance was excellent, chopping clippings into fine pieces that disappeared back into the turf to act as a natural fertilizer. For bagging, you remove the plug and attach the 0.85-bushel (about 8 gallons) grass collection bag. The bag is small, in keeping with the mower’s compact nature, but it’s sufficient for small yards and features a convenient full-bag indicator that lets you know when it’s time to empty.

Adjusting the cutting height is managed by a single, easy-to-use lever that controls all four wheels simultaneously. This is a premium feature often found on more expensive mowers. With 6 distinct positions ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 inches, you can easily dial in the perfect height for your grass type and the current season. This simplicity stands in stark contrast to older mowers that require you to adjust each wheel individually. However, this is an area where we must note some quality control concerns raised by users. A few have reported receiving units where the height adjustment lever was jammed against a wheel. While this appears to be an infrequent manufacturing defect, and users noted that WORX customer service was excellent in resolving the issue under warranty, it is something to be aware of. Overall, the mower’s functional versatility makes it a highly capable tool for maintaining a healthy and tidy small lawn.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from a wide range of owners, a clear picture of the WORX WG779 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch 2 Batteries emerges. The praise is overwhelmingly centered on its core design philosophy. A new homeowner who transitioned from a condo was thrilled, stating, “It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver,” perfectly summing up the primary selling point. Another user, who uses it as a secondary mower for areas their riding mower can’t reach, called it their “little toy mower” but was happy because “it does a great job.” The surprising battery life is another common theme, with one owner remarking, “Battery life is AMAZING! I was able to cut my entire yard twice and each battery only went down 1 bar.”

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, and it’s important to acknowledge the criticisms. The most significant concerns revolve around quality control and durability. One user had a frustrating experience when a “wheel fell off 10 minutes after using it for the first time” due to a lost retainer clip. Another received a unit where the “height adjustment is sitting on front wheel so it doesn’t spin.” While these incidents seem to be exceptions rather than the rule, and customer service is often praised for their response, they highlight a potential risk. Additionally, some users find it underpowered for very thick or tall grass, noting, “now that it has grown a bit, the mower is having a hard time keeping up.” This feedback reinforces our finding: this is a maintenance mower for small yards, not a brush hog for reclaiming an overgrown lot.

Alternatives to the WORX WG779 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch 2 Batteries

While the WORX WG779 is a fantastic cordless option, your specific needs might be better met by a different type of mower. Here’s how it compares to three distinct alternatives.

1. LawnMaster MEB1216K 16-Inch Electric Lawn Mower

The LawnMaster MEB1216K is a corded electric mower that offers a slightly wider 16-inch cutting path and a powerful 12-amp motor. If you have a small yard with easy access to an outdoor power outlet and don’t want to manage batteries, this is a compelling alternative. It’s generally more affordable and provides consistent, unending power as long as it’s plugged in. The trade-off is mobility; you’ll constantly be managing the extension cord, which can be cumbersome around trees, furniture, and other obstacles. It’s best suited for those with simple, open lawn layouts who prioritize budget and raw power over cordless freedom.

2. LawnMaster MEB1114K 15-Inch Corded Electric Mower

Similar to its larger sibling, the LawnMaster MEB1114K is another corded electric option with a 15-inch deck and an 11-amp motor. It sits in a similar niche as the WORX WG779 in terms of size but relies on a cord for power. This makes it another excellent budget-friendly choice for those who don’t mind the cord. It offers the benefits of low maintenance and push-button starting without the higher upfront cost and eventual battery replacement associated with cordless models. Someone might choose this over the WORX model if their budget is the primary concern and their yard layout is simple enough that a cord isn’t a major hassle.

3. Great States 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

The Great States Push Reel Mower represents a completely different approach to lawn care. It’s entirely manual, with no motor, no emissions, no noise, and virtually no maintenance besides blade sharpening. It provides a scissor-like cut that is exceptionally healthy for grass blades. This is the ultimate choice for the environmentally conscious user with a very small, flat, and well-maintained lawn. However, it requires more physical effort from the user and struggles significantly with tall weeds, twigs, or uneven terrain. It’s for the purist who enjoys the exercise and silence of manual mowing, whereas the WORX WG779 offers powered convenience for a much wider range of conditions.

Final Verdict: The Right Tool for a Specific Job

After extensive hands-on testing and analysis of user feedback, our verdict on the WORX WG779 40V Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch 2 Batteries is clear: it is an outstanding specialized tool that brilliantly executes its intended mission. This is not a mower for everyone, nor is it trying to be. If you have a large, open yard, its small deck will feel tedious. But if you have a small yard (1/8 acre or less), limited storage, or intricate landscaping that demands agility, this mower is a revelation. Its featherlight design, surprising power, and the convenience of the PowerShare battery system combine to solve a very specific set of problems that plague many homeowners.

It transforms the chore of mowing tight spaces from a frustrating task into a quick, quiet, and even enjoyable one. While we acknowledge the isolated reports of quality control issues, the vast majority of user experiences, combined with our own, point to a reliable and highly effective machine. For the right person, this mower isn’t just a good choice; it’s the perfect choice. If you’re tired of wrestling with heavy, loud, or corded mowers for your small lawn, we wholeheartedly recommend you check the latest price and see if the WORX WG779 is the solution you’ve been searching for.