The best robot lawn mowers can take care of your grass while you do something more fun. They're great for keeping your green spaces looking great all year.
Despite being relatively new, robot lawn mowers already come in many shapes, sizes, and prices. It's important to figure out how big your cut area will be since some mowers are designed for small areas, while others can handle even the biggest.
You don't have to buy the biggest mower. Unlike human-controlled ones, where bigger cutting diameters mean less time cutting, robot mowers don't have that issue. It's more important for many lawns to know what slope they can handle since not every lawn is flat.
Some robot lawn mowers are smart, so you can control them from your phone, schedule cuts, and get alerts if anything goes wrong. You can create areas that aren't allowed, like flower borders, and many are self-charging, so they'll go back to base when they run out.
A robot mower is made to cut little and often. It might be too long if it has to take the winter off and you don't cut the grass before it gets long. If that's the case, you'll also want to check out what made the cut in our best cordless lawn mowers guide; bigger mowers will handle that much more challenging cut.
The best robot lawn mowers we recommend
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The best overall robot lawn mower
With its innovative design, exceptional mowing performance, and advanced features, the Segway Navimow i105N is an easy-to-use robotic lawn mower. Using a smartphone app, you can keep your lawn clean and tidy wire-free.
Setup: The i Series mower arrives compactly packaged with clear instructions. Navimow is easy to use; you just need to download the app. Setting up the charging station and antenna is no problem, and most accessories are easy to install. There's a 10-meter power cable and a bleep to confirm the setup.
Design: The i105E robotic mower's innovative design eliminates the need for a perimeter wire, offering convenience and flexibility. The digital display provides essential information, and its sturdy build makes it easy to use. Although it doesn't have exterior handles, it's easy to carry under the underside. Just make sure they're clearly marked.
The underside shows its three cutting blades and robust drive wheels. Advanced features like scheduled mowing and an anti-theft alarm cater to tech-savvy users, making it a reliable and versatile lawn mower.
Performance: The i105N robotic lawn mower impressed our reviewer with its exceptional mowing performance during several weeks of testing. It efficiently mowed the grass and effortlessly navigated using wire-free, antenna-assisted navigation. After repositioning the base, the mower performed well. They had a minor issue with the charging station not being on a flat surface during setup.
With the smartphone app, you can map out the work area and control the robot from anywhere. The robot avoided obstacles and could be customized for multiple lawns. The battery life was sufficient for my relatively small lawn. It cut weeds and provided a clean cut, including weeds. Even though it doesn't collect grass, it worked well.
Read more: Segway Navimow i105N review
The best affordable robot lawn mower
The WR165 is one of Worx's best-selling robot lawn mowers, with its self-leveling blade deck, great connectivity, and versatile battery. While the connectivity was decent, the battery could be shared with other tools in the range, and it's generally a good all-rounder, this robot mower got stuck on uneven ground and bumped into things.
Setup: Upon receiving the Worx Landroid S WR165 and its garage, the boxes were well-packaged but a little heavy. Unboxing revealed minimal plastic packaging, and the setup was straightforward with the "Quick Start-Up" guide. Laying the boundary wire took an hour, and after a full charge, the mower was ready to go. Assembling the garage was pretty simple; just follow the instructions.
Design: In addition to four wheels, a low profile, and control buttons, Worx's Landroid S WR165 is a typical robot lawnmower. It has Worx's signature black and orange colors, so it looks pretty. With dimensions of 12.2 x 21.26 x 21.97in (h x w x d) and weighing 43.51 lbs, it strikes a balance between size and portability. It has two blades spinning clockwise under its underside, and it has a "CUT TO EDGE" feature.
A display screen and buttons on top let you adjust settings and link to the app. It's powered by a 20V 2.0Ah Power Share battery that recharges at the bottom.
Performance: The Worx Landroid S WR165 offers excellent cutting performance and can cover up to 1/8 acre of lawn. It follows a boundary wire using patented AIA technology, but it tends to centralize itself over the wire, so it needs a wider boundary. Aside from not avoiding obstacles, it struggles with uneven terrain.
If you set up the scheduling feature properly, you'll get notifications about maintenance, updates, and notifications. To keep it running smoothly, you need to keep it clean and replace blades every three to four months. The mower emits a sound level similar to a normal conversation.
Though it has some limitations and initial setup challenges, the Worx Landroid S WR165 is a convenient way to maintain a small lawn, and garages can extend its life.
Read more: Worx WR165 20-Volt 7 in. 2.0 Ah Robotic Landroid Mower review
The best robot lawn mower for large lawns
This Husqvarna automower 450XH is smart and efficient. It packs many intelligent features and takes a lot of effort out of keeping your lawn looking green.
Setup: Besides the mower, the kit included a charging pad, power brick, connector cable, ground screws, replacement blades, and stickers. The box was 70% cardboard and 30% plastic. There were plastic stakes and wire spools in the installation kit for yards up to 54,000 ft2. Setting up the robot mower takes planning.
Sketch out the lawn layout, find a good location for the charging pad, and lay the boundary wire. Following the manufacturer's instructions and using the provided tools will make the process easier.
Design: With its sleek design and futuristic features, the Husqvarna Automower 450XH looks like something from a sci-fi movie. It's easy to use, with protective elements like headlight bars and a rubber bumper. It has an anti-theft PIN code for security. Despite its 34-pound weight and 30x25x13-inch dimensions, it's surprisingly manageable. Those three razor blades trim a small amount of grass every day, promoting lawn health. Its gray color can be customized with white or orange hoods.
In addition, the front and rear wheels contrast, with the former resembling office cartwheels and the latter resembling tractor wheels.
Performance: Our reviewer intentionally left a part of the yard outside the Automower 450XH to test its capabilities, and it kept it in great shape for a few weeks. The mower ran for about 4 hours every day, starting at 9 AM, and it did an amazing job. It navigated the yard smoothly, dealt with boundary wires, and got back to its charging pad without any problems.
Aside from its quiet operation (60 decibels), it's got anti-theft features like geofencing and GPS tracking. It's not perfect, and some obstacles, like metal boundaries and curbs, cause problems, but overall, it's really easy to use.
Read more: Husqvarna Automower 450XH Robotic Lawn Mower review
The best robot lawn mower for rough and steep terrains
Our expert, Linda, tested the Luba 5000 lawnmower, which arrived in multiple packages. Setting it up was easy, but connecting to Wi-Fi was initially tough. The lawnmower has a great design and performance, but its app and mapping don't work well.
Setup: The Luba arrived in four packages over several days, including the mower, attachments, charging base, rain cover, and spare blades. Connecting to Wi-Fi was difficult until our reviewer upgraded the firmware with a 4G SIM card.
Design: The Luba 5000 lawnmower is easy to maneuver on uneven ground with its all-wheel drive and omni-wheels, and the cutting width is generous at 15.7 inches. While it's pretty heavy at 17.65kg, Linda said she wished it had a handle for easy transport. The design is sleek and rugged, reminiscent of a Lamborghini and a Monster Truck.
The 5000H series is for taller grass, but the standard model's 1-2.7 inch cutting height was perfect for the tester's lawn. It's well-made, attractive, and sturdy.
Performance: Using the app, Linda delineated her lawn in 10 minutes and set the boundaries for the robot mower. It's faster than laying perimeter cables, which used to take her four hours. It was easy to maneuver on rough terrain, avoid obstacles, and maintain traction on a slope 30°. Its rain-detection feature, neat mowing patterns, and customizable settings made it awesome.
However, setting up a second mowing area and app functionality posed challenges. She was frustrated with frequent connectivity issues between the app and the mower, which greatly caused me to restart it. Despite this, the mower does its job fast and efficiently. If the app were more reliable, it would be rated even higher.
Read more: Mammotion Luba 2 AWD 5000 review
How to choose the best robot lawn mower for you
It's important to consider the size of your lawn when choosing a robot lawn mower. A typical device can mow up to 0.4 acres, perfect for small to medium-sized lawns. But if you have a bigger plot, you might want a device with a bigger range. Our top pick can do up to 0.4 acres.
Another consideration is whether you need a mower that can handle inclines. If your yard is hilly, you'll need a mower to do well on slopes. Among the mowers we reviewed, there was a range between 22 and 30 degrees. Dealers say some mowers can handle slopes up to 45 degrees.
Having a robot lawn mower means you don't have to remember to charge it. It will return to its base when it needs a top-up, so you don't even notice. However, you should remember how long the machine can run with a full battery and how long it takes to charge it. Our top picks last about an hour on a full charge, but it takes a little longer to recharge completely. Despite not impacting your experience, it gives you an idea of how well the machine is built.
Multi-zone capability: You'll need a mower with multi-zone capability if you want to mow more than one space. You'll need one to mow a front and back yard that isn't directly connected. Make sure you look for a mower that can handle multiple zones. The mower can be programmed to remember more than one set of boundaries. Most multi-zone robot mowers can cover between two and four zones, which should be enough for most homes.
Programmable: You want your robot lawn mower to run on a particular day at a certain time, so you don't have to remember to set it up daily. Think about how you're going to program it. You can set up some robot lawnmowers from the base while setting others remotely over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Advanced features: While all robot lawnmowers offer convenience, some models have additional premium features that make them stand out. If you have a large yard, a model with GPS might be a good choice so you can track its progress. It would be easy to trace the mower if it got stolen, so you don't have to worry about it.
Some models let you control, configure, and monitor the robot remotely via a mobile app, so you don't even have to be in sight of it.
Rain-detection technology is especially handy in wetter climates. It can tell when it's too wet to mow, and some even mow during a shower.
Robot lawn mower FAQs
How do robot lawn mowers work?
Robot lawn mowers work like robot vacuums, using advanced technology to navigate and cut grass efficiently without human intervention.
They work because of their navigation system. You lay a perimeter wire around your lawn edge to ensure the mower doesn't go out of bounds. This wire is an invisible boundary, so it doesn't stray into unwanted areas. Newer models, however, use GPS and satellite positioning, so there's no need for wires.
After being set up, the mower charges at a docking station and mows automatically when necessary. It assesses lawn condition and decides when to cut grass, often returning to the dock when its battery runs out. The cutting mechanism usually involves small, pivoting blades that trim the grass to a specific height, leaving a clean cut without noticeable tracks.
The robot mower usually cuts in a random pattern, keeping the lawn looking consistently manicured. This way, every part of the lawn is cut evenly without creating distinct tracks. By cutting just a small amount of grass each time—often just a few millimeters—these mowers promote healthier turf because clippings decompose on the lawn and nourish it.
Most robotic mowers include sensors that detect obstacles, allowing them to navigate around trees, flower beds, and other features in your yard. Some models even have rain sensors reminding them to return to the dock when it rains.
How much do robot lawn mowers cost?
Most robotic lawn mowers cost $500 to over $5,000. The entry-level mowers usually cover up to 0.25 acres and don't have advanced features like GPS navigation or obstacle detection. Simple models, usually around $600 to $1,000, can be found on the lower end.
Mid-range models, priced between $1,000 and $2,000, have better performance and features, making them perfect for lawns up to 0.5 acres. High-end robotic mowers, which can cost $3,000 to $5,000 or more, come with programmable settings, better cutting systems, and longer battery life. They're designed for bigger lawns, often more than 1 acre. GPS mapping, smartphone connectivity, and sophisticated sensors let them easily navigate obstacles and varying terrain.
If you're going to buy a model that needs perimeter wiring, it's important to think about installation costs, too. It'll cost around $300 if you don't do it yourself. Battery replacements every few years should also be considered since lithium-ion batteries usually last 2 to 4 years.
How long to robot lawn mowers last?
The lifespan of a robot lawn mower depends on the model and how well it's maintained. Regular maintenance, like blade replacements and software updates, can help it last longer. According to how often you use it and what kind of grass you're cutting, blades usually must be replaced every 1 to 3 months.
The battery is one of the most critical components affecting the lifespan of a robot mower. Most models use lithium-ion batteries, which typically last about two to four years before needing to be replaced. A good battery can last long if you properly care for it, like avoiding extreme temperatures and charging it correctly. Users may notice a decrease in battery performance after a few years, which means they need to charge it more frequently or replace it completely.
There's also a big difference in the mower's conditions. Mowing on uneven terrain or in harsh weather can cause faster wear and tear. Also, mowing frequency impacts the mower's overall health; more frequent use can lead to faster component degradation.
When is the best time to buy a robot lawn mower?
When grass grows, retailers stock up on the latest lawn mowers, including robotic models. It's a good time to get a lawn mower deal, as new releases are available now so buyers can choose from the latest technology.
While early fall is generally considered the best time to find significant discounts on robot lawn mowers, prices might not be the most competitive because demand is high and discounts are limited. As the mowing season winds down, retailers look to clear out inventory, which means markdowns on various models. If you wait until the grass is done growing, you can get a great deal. The selection may be limited, but the savings can be substantial, so budget-conscious buyers should consider it.
Keep an eye out for holiday sales and promotions throughout the year, like Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Black Friday. These events often have discounts on lawn care equipment.
