We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Not too long ago, if you wanted high-performance outdoor tools you were stuck with gas-powered equipment. Today, there are cordless electric chainsaws, leaf blowers, lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, snow blowers, and ice augers. All of them are viable alternatives since they are easier to work with, quieter, and better for the environment.
Greenworks and Ego are two companies at the forefront of this battery-powered revolution. Both are recognized as having improved cordless tool technology with innovative designs and class-leading performance. Here we compare these two impressive rivals in our Greenworks vs. Ego challenge to find out which one has the better outdoor collection.
How We Compared Greenworks vs. Ego
The Bob Vila team constantly monitors new tool developments to bring our readers the technical information they are looking for, as well as the best deals. I’m also an engineer and a keen gardener, so it has been fascinating to watch how Greenworks and Ego have set new standards for cordless outdoor tool performance.
To focus on the Greenworks vs. Ego question in particular, we selected similar tools from each manufacturer and made direct comparisons. We looked at equipment from both a homeowner and professional point of view, and we researched owner feedback to check for any reliability issues.
Greenworks
Price Range: $ to $$$
Our Top Picks: Greenworks 16-Inch Chainsaw for $259.99, Greenworks 60V 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower for $3,999.99, and Greenworks 2,000 PSI Pressure Washer for $199.00,
Greenworks has been around since 2002 and is owned by Globe Tools. Although a Chinese manufacturer, it also has a large U.S. manufacturing plant in Morristown, Tennessee.
The complete Greenworks range is huge, with both corded and cordless models. The brand produces a variety of batteries from 24V to 80V, providing customers with unrivaled choice over performance and price. Although we’re focusing on Greenworks’ outdoor equipment in this article, it’s also one of the best tool brands when it comes to affordable DIY tools. Greenworks has filed over 2,800 battery patents, underlining its commitment to developing advanced cordless products for the home and garden. Greenworks also produces an impressive cordless outdoor tool collection for commercial users.
Pros
- Over 20 years of experience developing a wide range of battery-powered tools
- A reputation for reliability and durability at affordable prices
- An extensive collection of outdoor tools suitable for both homeowners and contractors
Cons
- Batteries are not interchangeable. For example, a 60V battery cannot be used in a 40V tool, and vice versa
Shop Greenworks products at:
Ego
Price Range: $ to $$$
Our Top Picks: Ego Power+ 16-Inch Chainsaw for $249, Ego Power+ 56V 42-Inch Zero-Turn Riding Mower for $5,499, and Ego Power+ 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Leaf Blower for $298.29
Ego is one of the youngest cordless tool brands, first appearing in 2012. It is a part of the Chinese manufacturing group Chervon (not to be confused with Chevron), which also owns Skil and Flex Tools.
Most Ego Power products are cordless outdoor tools, though it produces portable power packs and an electric off-road mini bike capable of speeds up to 28 miles per hour (mph). The company is keen on battery technology, claiming to offer the most advanced units in the industry. Each cell is independently optimized for power, and a special cooling material prevents overheating so its product line can run for longer without losing performance. The tools are also designed to be shock-resistant, so they’ll survive being dropped.
Pros
- Focused on developing cordless outdoor equipment that delivers equal or greater power than gas alternatives
- Shock-resistant batteries that don’t overheat, delivering consistent performance and extended runtimes
- The convenience of a single battery size that fits every tool in the range
Cons
- It’s important to read battery charging and storage instructions carefully to avoid damage
- Some owners have been critical of the cutting efficiency of their entry-level push mowers
Shop Ego products at:
Choose Greenworks for maximum power.
Although Ego claims to have the most advanced batteries, it’s Greenworks outdoor equipment that delivers higher outright performance. To put it simply, more volts equals more power, meaning when you compare Greenworks 80V vs. Ego 56V, you have an obvious winner. Greenworks also offers an 82V commercial range.
However, there may be new developments on the horizon. The Ego Power+ Mini Bike uses two batteries in tandem, thus delivering a 112V performance. That’s considerably more than anything Greenworks currently offers. There could be weight issues using two batteries in handheld garden tools, but it shouldn’t be a problem in four-wheeled machinery. We don’t know whether Ego is planning to use tandem battery technology in any of its power tools in the future. If that happens, however, the balance of power between Greenworks vs. Ego zero-turn mowers, for example, could change in the future.
Choose Ego for greater convenience and longer working hours.
Voltage is usually the headline figure because it describes power delivery. The other key number to consider is amp hours (Ah), which is often compared to fuel. The higher the Ah, the longer the battery will run between charges. For example, if you have two 60V batteries, one rated at 2.5 Ah and the other at 5 Ah, the latter will run for around twice as long before it needs to be recharged.
It’s a particularly important number when comparing Ego vs. Greenworks outdoor power tools. If you have a large area of lawn or are some distance from the house, you don’t want to have to keep replenishing your batteries. This is where Ego has the advantage. Greenworks batteries range from 2 Ah to 8 Ah, whereas Ego batteries range from 2.5 Ah to 12 Ah. Whether you’re comparing a Greenworks vs. Ego chainsaw or an Ego vs. Greenworks snow blower, it’s the Ego tool that can keep going for longer.
Ego for quality, Greenworks for price.
This is a close one, and if it were a boxing match, you might get a split decision. When we checked other independent reviewers, buyer feedback, and popular tool and gardening forums, the general opinion was that Ego makes higher-quality tools, but at a premium price. Greenworks tools are seen as perfectly acceptable in terms of reliability and durability, but they are more budget-friendly.
Greenworks certainly makes more lower-priced outdoor tools than Ego. If we compare Greenworks vs. Ego snow blowers, the former has an entry-level model at under $200. The cheapest Ego is around $700. A Greenworks pressure washer can be yours for just under $100, but the equivalent Ego is another $30. The cheapest Greenworks chainsaw is around $80, whereas the lowest-priced Ego model is more than twice that.
To be fair, we aren’t comparing equivalent specifications or performance, and at the upper end of both ranges the differences are often less pronounced. However, those looking to save money on outdoor power tools are more likely to find that Greenworks has the solution.
Our Verdict
Choosing an overall winner in our Greenworks vs. Ego outdoor cordless tools challenge is no easy task. Both are deservedly two of the leading brands in the sector, and we doubt buyers of either will be disappointed. Those on a limited budget may want to opt for Greenworks. Those with more to spend will need to compare specifications carefully. A deciding factor might be the number and type of batteries included; it can make a noticeable difference in price and convenience.
