Quick Overview
- The Sun Joe MJ401E vs Greenworks 25022 choice comes down to power vs. price – the Greenworks has a stronger motor, but the Sun Joe costs less.
- Both are corded electric mowers, so neither is built for lawns bigger than a third of an acre.
- The Greenworks 25022 cuts thick grass better thanks to its 12-amp motor and wider 20-inch deck.
- The Sun Joe MJ401E is lighter and easier to store, which matters if you have a small shed or garage.
- If you want the best all-around value for a small suburban yard, I’d pick the Sun Joe. For thicker grass, go Greenworks.
I still remember the Saturday morning I dragged both of these mowers out onto my back lawn in Ohio. The grass was damp from an overnight sprinkler cycle I forgot to turn off. My extension cord was already tangled around the porch railing before I even started the first pass.
That morning turned into a full weekend of testing. I wanted to settle the Sun Joe MJ401E vs Greenworks 25022 question once and for all, because both mowers show up constantly on “best budget mower” lists, and I was tired of vague reviews that never actually ran them side by side.
This guide is for anyone with a small to mid-size yard who’s thinking about ditching gas for good. If you’re mowing under a third of an acre and you have an outdoor outlet within reach, keep reading.
Why I Tested These Two Electric Mowers Side by Side
I tested these two mowers because they’re the most recommended corded electric mowers under $150. Both promise gas-mower performance without the oil changes, the pull-cord frustration, or the exhaust smell.
I wanted real answers. Not marketing copy.
Corded Power Without the Gas Hassle
A corded electric mower plugs into a standard outdoor outlet and runs on your home’s power instead of gasoline. There’s no gas can in the garage, no carburetor to clean, and no pull-cord that never starts on the first try.
The tradeoff is the cord itself. You’re limited to how far your extension cord reaches, and you have to manage it as you mow so you don’t run over it.
Are They Strong Enough for a Real Lawn?
Both mowers handle a normal suburban lawn just fine. I tested each one on fescue grass that hadn’t been cut in nine days, and both got through it – though one worked noticeably harder than the other.
If your lawn is small, flat, and mowed weekly, either mower will do the job. Thicker or taller grass is where the differences start to show.
What to Look for Before You Choose Between Them
The biggest differences between these two mowers come down to motor power, deck size, and weight. Those three specs affect everything else – how well they cut, how easy they are to push, and how well they store.
Motor Power and Amps
More amps means more cutting power. The Greenworks 25022 runs a 12-amp motor, while the Sun Joe MJ401E runs a 12-amp motor as well, but the blade speed and deck design change how that power translates into an actual cut.
In my testing, the Greenworks pushed through thicker patches with less bogging down. The Sun Joe kept up fine on regularly mowed grass but slowed slightly in denser spots near my fence line.
Cutting Width and Deck Size
The Greenworks 25022 has a 20-inch cutting deck. The Sun Joe MJ401E has a 14-inch deck. That six-inch difference adds up fast – the Greenworks finished my 4,000-square-foot backyard in noticeably fewer passes.
A wider deck means less time mowing, but it also means a heavier, less maneuverable mower around tight corners and garden beds.
Weight and Maneuverability
The Sun Joe MJ401E weighs about 24 pounds. The Greenworks 25022 weighs closer to 34 pounds. That ten-pound gap matters when you’re pushing a mower uphill or lifting it into a car trunk.
My knees noticed the difference by the third lap around my sloped side yard. The Sun Joe felt like pushing a stroller. The Greenworks felt like pushing a stroller with a passenger.
Mulching, Bagging, and Height Adjustment
Both mowers offer mulching and rear bagging. The Greenworks includes a larger bag, so you empty it less often on bigger lawns.
Height adjustment is single-lever on the Greenworks and multi-lever on the Sun Joe. The single lever is faster if you’re switching heights between the front and back yard.
Comparison Table for Both Mowers
| Spec | Sun Joe MJ401E | Greenworks 25022 |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 12 amp | 12 amp |
| Cutting width | 14 inches | 20 inches |
| Weight | 24 lbs | 34 lbs |
| Height adjustment | Multi-lever | Single-lever |
| Bag size | Smaller | Larger |
Sun Joe MJ401E vs Greenworks 25022: Head-to-Head
Head-to-head, the Greenworks wins on raw cutting power and the Sun Joe wins on ease of handling. Neither one is a clear winner across every category, which is exactly why this comparison matters.
Cutting Performance
The Greenworks 25022 cut cleaner through thick grass in my tests. Its wider deck and stronger blade speed left fewer stray blades standing after each pass.
The Sun Joe MJ401E left a clean cut on regularly mowed grass but needed a second pass on the overgrown patch behind my shed. If you mow weekly, this won’t matter much.
Build Quality and Design
Both mowers use plastic decks instead of steel. Neither is built like a commercial machine, and I wouldn’t expect either to survive being run over rocks or roots.
The Greenworks felt slightly sturdier under my hands, with less flex in the handlebar during turns. The Sun Joe’s handlebar wobbled a bit more, though it never felt unsafe.
Ease of Use and Storage
The Sun Joe MJ401E folds down small and fits easily on a shelf in my garage. At 24 pounds, one hand is enough to lift it onto a hook.
The Greenworks 25022 needs more floor space and two hands to lift comfortably. If your storage space is tight, this is worth factoring in before you buy.
Price and Value
The Sun Joe MJ401E typically costs less than the Greenworks 25022. For a small, flat suburban lawn, that price gap is hard to justify spending past.
If your lawn is bigger or thicker, the Greenworks earns its higher price back in mowing time saved. Fewer passes means less time standing in the Texas summer heat.
Comparison Table for Both Mowers
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Cutting performance | Greenworks 25022 |
| Build quality | Greenworks 25022 |
| Ease of storage | Sun Joe MJ401E |
| Price | Sun Joe MJ401E |
How Each Mower Handles Real Yard Conditions
Each mower handles differently depending on your yard type, lawn size, and grass thickness. Here’s what I found testing both across a few different setups.
Small Suburban Lawns
For a small suburban lawn under 3,000 square feet, the Sun Joe MJ401E is plenty of mower. It’s light, easy to store, and quick to maneuver around flower beds and mailbox posts.
I mowed a neighbor’s Florida backyard with it in under fifteen minutes, cord management included.
Thick or Overgrown Grass
For thick or overgrown grass, the Greenworks 25022 is the better tool. Its stronger motor and wider deck cut through dense patches without bogging down or leaving uneven strips.
If you let your lawn go two weeks between mows, as I sometimes do in a busy Ohio spring, the Greenworks handles that neglect better.
Uneven or Sloped Yards
On uneven or sloped yards, the lighter Sun Joe MJ401E is easier to control. Pushing 34 pounds of Greenworks up a slope left my arms tired faster than the lighter Sun Joe did.
Neither mower is designed for steep hills. If your yard has a real slope, consider a self-propelled model instead.
Comparison Table
| Yard Type | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Small flat lawn | Sun Joe MJ401E |
| Thick or overgrown grass | Greenworks 25022 |
| Sloped yard | Sun Joe MJ401E |
Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing Between Them
The most common mistake is picking based on price alone without checking cord length and yard layout first. A cheaper mower that can’t reach your whole yard isn’t actually cheaper once you buy a longer cord.
Ignoring Cord Length and Yard Layout
Neither mower includes a cord. You’ll need to buy a 100-foot outdoor extension cord separately for most yards.
Map out your yard before buying. If your outlet is far from the farthest corner of your lawn, budget for a longer cord than you think you need.
Overlooking Storage Space
Buyers often forget to measure their storage space before choosing the bigger, heavier Greenworks. If your garage or shed is tight, the Sun Joe’s smaller folded footprint will save you real frustration.
I learned this the hard way when the Greenworks didn’t fit on the same shelf my old mower used.
Pros and Cons Table
| Mower | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Joe MJ401E | Light, easy to store, lower price, easy to maneuver | Smaller deck means more passes, struggles in thick grass |
| Greenworks 25022 | Wider deck, stronger cut, larger bag | Heavier, costs more, harder to store |
My Final Recommendation
After a full weekend of testing, I keep coming back to the same answer: it depends on your grass, not your budget alone. If you have a small, flat, regularly mowed lawn, the Sun Joe MJ401E gives you everything you need for less money and less storage hassle.
If your lawn runs thicker, bigger, or you tend to skip a week here and there, the Greenworks 25022 is worth the extra cost. The wider deck and stronger motor saved me real time on my own overgrown patches, and that time adds up over a whole mowing season.
My own yard is small and mostly flat, so the Sun Joe MJ401E is the one that’s stayed in my garage. Your yard might tell a different story – and that’s fine. Match the mower to the grass you actually have, not the grass you wish you had.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Sun Joe MJ401E and Greenworks 25022?
The Greenworks 25022 has a wider 20-inch cutting deck and cuts thicker grass more easily. The Sun Joe MJ401E is lighter, cheaper, and easier to store.
Which mower is better for a small yard?
The Sun Joe MJ401E is better for small, flat suburban lawns. It’s light enough to maneuver around tight corners and flower beds without extra effort.
Can either mower handle thick or overgrown grass?
The Greenworks 25022 handles thick or overgrown grass better because of its stronger motor and wider deck. The Sun Joe MJ401E can manage it but may need a second pass.
Do I need to buy an extension cord separately?
Yes. Neither mower includes a cord. Plan for a 100-foot outdoor extension cord for most average suburban yards.
Is the Greenworks 25022 worth the extra price over the Sun Joe MJ401E?
It depends on your lawn. If your grass grows thick or you mow less often, the wider deck and stronger motor on the Greenworks save real time and are worth the higher price.