Sun Joe Corded Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier vs WORX Nitro 21" Cordless Lawn Mower, Brushless
Updated July 2026 — WORX Nitro 21" Cordless Lawn Mower, Brushless leads on power and weight.
The WORX Nitro offers more versatility and power for mowing, while the Sun Joe excels in lawn health through dethatching.
Why Sun Joe Corded Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier is better
Price
Sun Joe is significantly cheaper at $139.99.
Aeration
Sun Joe specializes in lawn health through dethatching.
Weight
Sun Joe is lighter and easier to maneuver.
Why WORX Nitro 21" Cordless Lawn Mower, Brushless is better
Power
WORX Nitro has a brushless motor delivering 40% more power.
Versatility
WORX Nitro offers 3-in-1 functionality for mowing.
Runtime
WORX Nitro provides longer runtime with dual batteries.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | Sun Joe Corded Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier | WORX Nitro 21" Cordless Lawn Mower, Brushless |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Type | 12-Amp | Brushless |
| Battery | N/A | 2 × 20V |
| Functionality | Dethatcher | 3-in-1 |
| Height Settings | 5 | 7 |
| Collection Bag | 8-Gal | 10-Gal |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the Products
When it comes to lawn care, the Sun Joe Corded Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier and the WORX Nitro 21" Cordless Lawn Mower offer two different solutions for maintaining a healthy yard. The Sun Joe is specifically designed for dethatching and scarifying, making it a solid choice for lawn health, while the WORX Nitro provides a versatile mowing solution ideal for grassy areas up to ½ acre.
The Sun Joe is priced at $139.99, while the WORX Nitro comes in at $379.99, making it about 171% more expensive than the Sun Joe. Each product serves a distinct purpose, so understanding their features is crucial for determining which tool fits your gardening needs.
Power and Performance
Power and performance vary significantly between the two products, influencing their suitability for different tasks. The Sun Joe features a robust 12-amp motor that efficiently covers a 12.6-inch-wide path, making it effective for dethatching and scarifying tasks. On the other hand, the WORX Nitro boasts a sophisticated brushless motor that provides 40% more power and 10% longer runtime compared to its earlier versions, making it a better fit for extensive mowing tasks.
With the Sun Joe's strong motor, it excels in aerating and enhancing grass growth, while the WORX Nitro's advanced technology, including Intellicut, optimizes cutting speed based on grass thickness. This means that for sheer power, the WORX Nitro stands out, but for targeted lawn care tasks, the Sun Joe holds its own.
Versatility and Functionality
Versatility is a key factor when selecting lawn care equipment, and both products bring unique features to the table. The Sun Joe is primarily a dethatcher and scarifier, equipped with customizable depth control that allows users to adjust settings across five positions. This ensures precise care for various lawn conditions.
Conversely, the WORX Nitro is a 3-in-1 mower capable of bagging, mulching, and side-discharging. It includes two 20V 5.0Ah batteries that provide ample power for mowing up to ½ acre. Its 7-position height adjustment lever further adds to its functionality, allowing users to tailor the cut height from 1.5 to 4 inches. While the Sun Joe excels in aeration and lawn health, the WORX Nitro offers more versatility for general lawn maintenance.
Ease of Use
User-friendliness plays a vital role in lawn care tools, affecting how often they are used. The Sun Joe is designed with an 8-gallon detachable collection bag, making cleanup quick and hassle-free after dethatching. Its straightforward design ensures that users can easily adjust settings for their specific lawn care needs.
The WORX Nitro also emphasizes ease of use with features like a fully collapsible handle for convenient storage and an onboard charge-level indicator that keeps users informed about battery life. Its quick-change cutting height lever simplifies adjustments during mowing sessions. While both tools prioritize user-friendly designs, the WORX Nitro edges out slightly due to its multifunctional capabilities and user-centric features.
Maintenance and Durability
When it comes to maintenance and durability, both products have their strengths. The Sun Joe is built to handle the rigors of lawn care, with durable spring steel tines designed to effectively lift and remove thatch and debris. Regular maintenance is straightforward, primarily related to ensuring the collection bag is emptied and the motor is kept clean.
In contrast, the WORX Nitro is engineered with a high-strength polymer deck that resists impact damage and corrosion, contributing to longer product life. Its brushless motor is also designed to last longer than traditional motors, requiring less frequent maintenance. Thus, while both products are designed for durability, the WORX Nitro may provide a slight advantage in terms of long-term use and less ongoing maintenance.
Pricing and Value
Pricing is a crucial consideration when evaluating tools for lawn care. The Sun Joe is currently priced at $139.99, making it an approachable option for those focused on lawn health through dethatching. In contrast, the WORX Nitro is priced at $379.99, which represents a significant investment.
While the Sun Joe may seem like a better value at about 63% cheaper than the WORX Nitro, it’s essential to consider what tasks each tool is designed for. The Sun Joe focuses on lawn health, while the WORX Nitro offers broader functionality for mowing and maintenance. Depending on your specific lawn care needs, one may provide better value than the other.
Customer Reception
Customer reception can provide insight into the effectiveness and reliability of each product. The Sun Joe has a sales rank of 1,870, indicating a solid level of popularity among consumers. Its high-powered performance and effective aeration features have garnered positive feedback for enhancing lawn health.
On the other hand, the WORX Nitro, with a sales rank of 4,856, also enjoys a positive reputation, particularly for its versatility and powerful brushless motor. Users appreciate its capability to handle various mowing conditions with ease. Both products have their dedicated user bases, but the Sun Joe appears to be favored for its specific application in lawn care.
Which should you buy?
Choosing between the Sun Joe Corded Electric Dethatcher & Scarifier and the WORX Nitro 21" Cordless Lawn Mower ultimately depends on your lawn care needs. If your primary focus is on improving lawn health through dethatching and aeration, the Sun Joe is a strong option, especially considering its lower price of $139.99. However, if you seek a versatile solution for mowing larger areas with the added benefits of mulching and bagging, the WORX Nitro, priced at $379.99, may be worth the investment.
In summary, both products serve distinct purposes in lawn care, and your choice should align with your specific maintenance tasks and budget.

