Best Overall
Segway Navimow i Series Robot Mower
Best Bang for the Buck
Husqvarna Automower 115H Robotic Lawn Mower
Best for Slopes
Mammotion Luba 2 AWD 1000 Robot Mower
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Whether you desire to carve out more free time or trim back your atomic number 6 footprint , a golem lawn lawn mower could be the answer . But do robots edit out as well as a mortal push a lawn mower ? Equipped with cutting - edge navigation and obstruction avoidance technology to go along with advanced app - establish controls , these autonomous devices give lawns with the appearance of a always reinvigorated cut . They are promiscuous to use and very true , but the technology has rapidly evolved since 2022 , when BobVila.com started testing automatonlike lawn mowers . The belated models no longer need installing labor - intensive boundary wire . They draw longer per charge , offer more customization options , and cut better than ever .
Our current favorite is theSegway Navimow . It cuts the most complex lawns manoeuvre by a imagination - raise orbiter navigation system . But it is a bit more expensive than some other option , and has a maximum expanse point of accumulation of a quarter acre . For lowly budget or larger pace , we have other great options to choose from . In the reviews ahead we discuss how each selected automatonlike mower performed on our test greensward . Afterwards , keep reading to teach about the criteria we used to pick out the best robot lawn lawn mower and find one that ’s right for yourlawn careroutine .
Our Top Picks
Like thebest lawn mowersin general , choosing the proper robot mower can be a challenge . We measured the accompany robotic lawn mowers against the shopping considerations detailed below and put each one to work for a 14 - day nursing home trial . see out why we count them among the best golem lawn mower useable .
Our Ratings : relief of Use5/5;Cut Quality4.5/5;Performance5/5;Durability5/5;Value4.5/5
For informality of apparatus and authentic seafaring , a golem lawn mower with GPS ca n’t be beaten . alternatively of a humbled - voltage boundary wire , Segway Navimow i110N uses an AI - raise satellite navigation system with cm - horizontal surface truth to keep it in bounds . An onboard tv camera , also infused with AI technology , assists the orbiter piloting system and helps the mower avoid obstacles .
The Navimow i110N can autonomously mow up to a quarter acre of Gunter Wilhelm Grass , including side up to 17 degrees or about 28.5 feet of elevation change per 100 one-dimensional human foot . The manual cut height adjustment ranges from 2 inches to 3.6 inch in high spirits to conciliate most lawn forage . It operates at a quiet 58 decibels , so it is safe for mowing any clip of day , even in stochasticity - sore neighborhoods .
Setup took about 2 hour , include installation of the accuse foundation and antenna , download the app , and mapping the one thousand . The instructions were easy to travel along . To map out the G , we used the mobile app as a remote control to steer the lawn mower around the zone mete and any bar region . Driving the lawn mower took quite a bit of trial and mistake . programing was easy and very pliable . The app allows for multiple zona , change of location corridor between zones , and multiple pout cycles per solar day .
Navimow may also be an appealing option for those who like lawn unclothe . Unlike most other mowers in this guide , Navimow mows in parallel line , producing a pinstriped appearance due to the 7.5 - inch width of cut . During each mowing cycle , it cut down along a different axis : first northwards to south , next nor'-east to southwest , then east to west , and eventually southeasterly to northwest before repeating .
The basic Segway Navimow i110N outfit includes the mower , charge post , antenna , and superpower cord . The one we tested came with a few upgrade feature , including the Garage S charging base shelter , the Access+ 4 G signal reliever module , and the antenna extension kit . We consider the Garage S a necessity as it bring a stratum of protection against sun , rainwater , turd , and debris . Since the orbiter sign in our yard was really good , we did n’t notice a difference after adding the Access+ and feeler extension . The mower stayed in bound at all times , mow on schedule , and had no job keeping up with our fourth part - plus acre of grass .
What our examiner says:“The good newfangled automaton lawn mower do n’t take guide wires , and that is just the start percentage point for Segway . It was the fastest and easiest to set up and the first framework I ’ve tested that was capable to abbreviate staring lawn stripe rather of a random rule . Segway really did its homework on this one . ” — Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews quizzer and author
Get the Segway robot lawn mower atAmazonorSegway .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Cut Quality4/5;Performance5/5;Durability5/5;Value5/5
The Husqvarna Automower 115H mop all kinds of grass up to 0.4 Akko . Its durable 18 - volt 2 - amp - hour lithium - ion bombardment delivers 60 moment of runtime per armorial bearing and recharges in just an minute . The make out head manually adjusts from 2 in to 3.6 inch for either warm - season or cool - season Gunter Wilhelm Grass , and it ’s give away for slopes up to 17 degrees . Bluetooth connectivity lets users control the 115H via the Automower Connect mobile app . correct the lawn mower schedule , depart or stop mowing on need , supervise status , and order replacement blades all in one convenient fix . This wireless outback control lawn mower also has theft protection with a personal identification number ( PIN ) and warning machine system .
The Automower 115H impressed us as a great option for most suburban lawn . It easy navigated our exam lawn ’s slope and obstacle , reliably mow on schedule and tail securely . The lawn ’s appearance was consistent throughout testing , without any obviously missed spots . work with the Automower Connect app , it was well-to-do to program the schedule , place up different start points , and intermission and restart a mowing program during an active cycle . The scout conducting wire help the Automower navigate efficiently through a narrow corridor from one all-embracing space to another .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
It ’s worth noting , however , that the deficiency of GPS engineering makes this a “ less smart ” lawn mower than some other models out there . For representative , the 115H did not seem to adjust its mowing patterns and obstruction avoidance as rapidly as its more intelligent competitors did . But this fashion model makes a great choice for larger yards andmaintaining taller grass .
Get the Husqvarna Automower 115H robot lawn mower atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orTractor Supply Co.
Mammotion Luba 2 AWD 1000 Robot Lawn Mower
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Cut Quality5/5;Performance4.5/5;Durability4.5/5;Value4/5
Until now , one thousand with shallow tree diagram ascendant , rock , and steep incline have made machinelike mowing nearly impossible . Mammotion addressed these business organization with Luba 2 . A weight unit - balanced design and all - roulette wheel drive ( AWD ) allow it to easy capture rough basis and steep slopes with up to 7.7 feet of elevation modification per 10 linear feet . Even well , it uses a 3D vision and RTK nuclear fusion mapping system of rules to achieve precise piloting without the hassle of a perimeter wire .
I tested the Luba 2 1000H , which is built to manage up to a quarter Akko with a mow height scope of 2.2 to 4.0 inches . Other model in the Luba 2 seriescan cover up to 2.5 acres , and pout as low as 1 inch .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Setting up the equipment was well-fixed , but the interface was less user - friendly to start . I download the app , turned on the lawn mower , and connected to Wi - Fi with no job , but I did see glitches when I attempted to map the G . After some probe , I discovered that the lawn mower ’s microcode needed an update . When the update was over , map and scheduling go away flawlessly .
The Luba 2 was the only robotic mower I test that was equip with twin - leaf blade assemblies , tender an impressive cut width of 15.7 inch . The cutting breadth is wider than the wheel , so it also tailor nearer to the edge than other lawn mower . But the most obvious point of legal separation between Luba 2 and the other golem mowers was the AWD system . This lawn mower easy mount the steepest side in the yard and had no problems navigating the bumpy corridor between two disjoined mowing zones . None of the other role model could do that .
What our examiner says:“Mammotion ’s cut quality was really undecomposed , but I was bungle away by its sure - footedness . Unlike others that were able-bodied to ‘ just make it ’ up the slope in my yard , the Luba 2 traveled as well on the slope as it did on the flats . No slippage and no lost mowing coverage . ” — Mark Wolfe , Product Reviews examiner and writer
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Mammotion robot lawn mower atAmazon , GL Robotics , orMammotion .
Best for Large Acreage
Segway Navimow X390 Robot Lawn Mower
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Cut Quality4.5/5;Performance5/5;Durability5/5;Value4/5
For those in motive of a declamatory lawn robot mower , the Segway Navimow X390 is build to plow up to 2.5 demesne of pasture . It moves fast , cut a wide belt , and can mow up to 240 minutes per commission . This boundary conducting wire - free robot mower uses satellite guidance through an RTK reference station , couple with AI - enhanced visual sensation capability , to stay on raceway and stave off obstacles .
In our psychometric test yard , setup only took about 30 minute . That included unpacking the kit , downloading the app , assembling the base post , connecting might and WiFi , and mapping the yard . one-half of the time was spent single-valued function , so larger , more complex thou will take longer . Still , it was a far cry from the typical 90 - plus minutes it used to take to fix up perimeter wire . A cool feature that we did not test was the dual transmitting aerial organisation ( we only had one aerial ) , which supports large , complex landscapes where signal fall could become a problem .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Like most of the other fresh robot mowers , the Navimow X3 series is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home . Unlike most of the others , it let in four layer of in advance security features : an out - of - bounds alarm , a rhytidectomy alarm system , GPS cut across via the nomadic app , and secret compartments where third party item trackers may be stash away onboard . As far as mow is concerned , it also occur with a “ Doodle ” feature , a series of preset patterns that it can cut into the grass for a playfulness , decorative touch .
This political machine is fast , average out 1 cadence per second base . During the 2 - hebdomad trial menstruation , the Navimow X390 cut down an average of 2,810 substantial feet per hour . It only took 1.9 hours to cut down the same amount of infinite that ask 2.25 hours or longer from the others in the test chemical group , including some with dual cutting discs . The two primal points of breakup were the X390 ’s fast pace and adult battery . It was one of only three mowers that was able-bodied to cut both zones without stopping to recharge . It made perfect parallel stripes , alternate the stripe directions from one cut to the next , and never left an uncut cartoon strip .
Get the Segway golem lawn mower atSegway , Sohars , orRCPW .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Small Lawn
Mammotion Luba Mini 1500H AWD Robot Lawn Mower
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Cut Quality5/5;Performance4.5/5;Durability4.5/5;Value4.5/5
Forsmall yardswith variegate terrain , the Mammotion Luba Mini offers the most effective , carefree robotic mowing in our experience . It does not use a boundary conducting wire and easily climbs slop up to 38.6 degrees . The example we test ( 1500H ) covers up to .38 acre per charge , with a elevation - of - cut ranging from 2.2 inches to 4 inches , make it idealistic for taller , cool - season grasses . For the small curtilage , fashion model 800H covers up to .2 acre per charge , and save a few hundred dollars . The Luba Mini also come in in 1500S and 800S versions with a gloomy weakened height that is serious for ardent - time of year grasses .
The Luba Mini mowed our entire mental test arena in about 2.75 hour , including a break to recharge . It cut attractively without missing a spot . We pick out a random cold shoulder pattern , which varies the stripe slant each time it mows . We notice that when two adjacent zones were both cut down every which way , the design did not agree up . So , visually , it ’s best to create map zone with this in mind and create the zone boundaries in inconspicuous expanse . The only challenge we meet was after mowing a great arena of slimly overgrown , moist lawn . Some of the grass trim adhered to the vision sensor , making it hard for the robot to return to kick . This happened twice during the test .
Photo: Amazon
As with all orbiter - guided mowers , the enquiry of where to place the RTK station is crucial . It necessitate full pic to the sky , but should n’t be in the most obvious emplacement to forfend theft . Thankfully , the outfit included lots of extra wire and an surplus major power cord , just in case we wanted to locate it far from the al-Qa’ida place . We even had the choice to mount it on a bulwark with the included wall ground tackle . For our tests , we simply mounted it on a fencing stake near the charge up station .
Get the Mammotion automaton lawn mower atAmazon , Mammotion , orWalmart .
Best W/O an RTK Antenna
Eufy E15 Robot Lawn Mower
Our military rank : Ease of Use4.5/5;Cut Quality4/5;Performance4/5;Durability4/5;Value4.25/5
We ’re big Eufy fans . So when the Eufy E15 robot lawn mower come for examination , we had eminent expectations . Setup was refreshingly simple — it ’s about as stuffy to plug - and - free rein as robot lawn mower get . The mower arrived well - packaged , and all we had to do was place the alkali post in a lasting location and stop up it into an outlet . That ’s the only telegram involved . Unlike many automaton mower , the E15 does n’t bank on boundary wire or an RTK antenna ; instead , it uses advanced visual piloting to specify its mowing zone . The E15 allows height modification from 1 to 3 in , but in our testing , it do well on grass 2.5 inch or shorter — making it a firm compeer for low - growing grass , such as buffalo .
Once to the full charged ( about 1.5 hours ) , we powered on the lawn mower and the EufyHome app walk us through the apparatus and let us define the mowing boundaries . Like most golem lawn mower , the E15 works better on a frequent agenda — mow day by day or every other day keeps the lawn systematically not bad and prevents it from getting overwhelmed . It cut well on our buffalo weed , navigating slopes up to 18 degrees and invalidate obstacle with ease . Still , it struggled to cut thicker , improbable fescue .
Photo: Amazon
The only real singultus was with Wi - Fi connectivity — the lawn mower began miss signal once it ventured about 50 foot from the base . That ’s something to keep in mind for large yards or weak Wi - Fi coverage outdoors . However , for those face for a hired hand - off way to keep low - grow grass trim and sizeable , the E15 delivers . It features a safety shutoff if it ’s lifted or tipped , rain spotting , and even GPS trailing and app - free-base lock to help forestall thieving .
What our tester says:“I loved how well the Eufy robot mower synchronize with my EufyHome app . Now , I can control my Eufy security organisation and the lawn mower from the same app . ” — Glenda Taylor , Cartesian product Reviews examiner and writer
Get the Eufy E15 robot lawn mower atAmazonorEufy .
Photo: Segway
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Robotic Lawn Mowers
When we begin testing robot lawn mowers just a few old age ago , they all used perimeter template wire for navigation . Some of our early darling includedWorx Landroidand Husqvarna Automower , and they are still great options for affordable automated lawn mowing . to keep up with the latest technology and showcase the unspoilt of the best , we try young lawn mower each yr . Now , nearly every young model boast perimeter conducting wire - free navigation , powered by either satellite counseling or AI - empowered sight applied science .
To examine them , we go down up each lawn mower , program a weekly schedule , and permit it go for two weeks . Our mental testing yards includetypical obstaclesand pout challenge like trees , landscape painting beds , side , mismatched ground , narrow corridors , and different types of smoke . Our “ Best Overall ” robotic lawn lawn mower has to reliably navigate the lawn while avoiding permanent and temporary obstacle , always ride out in - bounds , mow with truth and consistence , dependably return to its charge station , and automatically head off lick in poor conditions . We use our observations to rate each mower on simpleness of use , shorten calibre , carrying out , durability , and value .
What to Consider When Choosing a Robot Lawn Mower
Shopping for a robotic lawn mower is a lot like stag for a normal one , but there are a few extra things to consider when assessing this newgadget for your home . The trace factors should serve decide which robotic lawn mower is right for you .
Yard Size
To begin the search for a young ego - mow automaton , get an precise measurement of the area it will mop . Measure the lawn ’s square footage , not the size of the flock , and exclude solid footage taken up by the firm , driveway , landscape painting beds , and any other characteristic that is not grass . Often only half of the square footage of a residential lot is lawn quad , and sometimes even less .
Light - obligation or portable lawn mowers are good for areas up to a quarter Accho , or about 11,000 square substructure . Midsize models tailor up to a one-half acre , or about 22,000 square feet . Large machines can cut an acre , or 43,560 substantial feet , or even more .
Factors that impact how much space a mower can cut let in battery runtime per electric charge , the mower size , and the hurrying it travels . The “ up to X square metrical foot ” amount that maker exact is calculated with ideal mowing conditions in brain . cut down consideration including gradient , obstacles , and maverick lawn shapes , as well as grass type , thickness , and growing rate , may all inhibit a mower ’s efficiency and capability .
Photo: Amazon
face for a mower that can cut the intact yard on a single battery accusation , if potential . For larger yards , it may be necessary to divide the lawn space into two or three minuscule mowing zones that the mower can cut on different cycles . Not all robotic lawn mower have the ability to create and schedule multiple zones , so be certain to buy a mower with that capacity if necessary to beseem the property sizing .
Terrain Handling
canonic robot mower work on flat yards and slopes of up to 15 per centum ( 1.5 feet of procession per 10 feet of linear aloofness ) . thousand with garden bed , boulders , pathways , and/or steeper slopes require a more capable mannequin . Look for one with onboard hit - detection systems , GPS , all - wheel drive , and/or multizone programing capability to pilot complex yard .
Mowing Height
Grass eccentric , weather experimental condition , and terrain influence a lawn ’s optimal mowing height . fond - season Gunter Wilhelm Grass like Bermuda , zoysia , and centipede should be cut down to from 1 to 3 inch gamy , while cool - time of year grasses such as Festuca elatior , bluegrass , and perennial ryegrass should be cut down to between 2.5 and 4 inch .
That said , allowing grass to rise tall than normal in uttermost heat energy and drouth assist protect the roots from dieback . Smooth , plane flat coat makes it easier to pout lower , while jumpy terrain requires additional headway . We recommend buying a machinelike lawn mower that allows as much mowing height flexibleness as possible within the range for the peculiar lawn type .
Controls
Robot and remote control lawn mowers are kept in the yard either by a low - voltage electric border boundary wire or more usually by planet direction or AI - supported vision technology . The telegram or the smart feature article help the lawn mower site the edges of the lawn and steer around permanent obstruction like trees , paved areas , and construction . An onboard computer severalise the lawn mower when to mow and when to recharge . Just program the mowing agenda and set the blade height , and the lawn mower does the rest . Many robotic lawn mowers are Bluetooth capable or Wi - Fi connected , so it ’s an option to programme them with an app on a smartphone .
Power Source and Battery Life
golem mowers charge automatically at a home home post . The base place serves as the charge port and the boundary wire hub . The same power beginning that charges the lawn mower ’s battery also ship a low - emf current through the boundary wire , if installed , to guide the mower . A undivided power corduroy plug into a nearby ground - demerit circumference interrupter menage release provides the needed electrical energy .
These mowers typically employ rechargeable Li - ion battery , though some utilize lead - acid barrage fire or other type . depend on the model and mow condition , anelectric mowercan work between 1 and 2.5 hours per battery bang . Batteries typically require 30 bit to an hr to recharge . Robot lawn mower batteries run to last approximately 3 years on average .
Smart Technology
Onboard sensors , Bluetooth connectivity , mobile apps , and compatibility with personal digital assistants all countenance users programme a robotic mower . On its programmed mowing schedule , the mower starts and recharge itself , return to its docking post when it has finished the chore . The mowers ’ programing keeps it on the lawn and protects non - grass areas .
Some robotic lawn mower have a manual style used to trim hold in spaces . In manual modal value , the golem lawn mower can be moved to a secondary localization — inside a fenced field of the chiliad , for example — and it will cut down without further programming .
Many golem mowers will alert smartphones when there is a job , if its blades need to be change , or if the auto is moved off the premises . Mobile apps can also allow the automaton mower to be supervise and controlled remotely via a smartphone or digital helper .
Photo: Amazon
Noise Levels
Robotic mowers are hushed but not silent . They bring about an norm of 50 to 70 dB , which is similar to the sound levels of a quiet refrigerator , a tranquil conversation , or the haphazardness inside a railcar travel at 60 statute mile per hour . A gasoline - powered button mower produces 95 decibels , or about 50 pct more randomness than a ego - cutting lawn mower .
Security
Robot lawn mowers are small enough that a thief could sway one away . For that reason , many models require a PIN for mathematical operation . Others feature alarms , security alerts , and GPS track that kicks in if the unit is removed from the owner ’s property . Since robot lawn mowers are somewhat tranquil , mass often program them to run at night as a larceny check .
Safety Features
Robot lawn lawn mower have safe features to protect the drug user and others in their newspaper clipping area . The machine moves slowly so pets , youngster , and others can see it come and get out of the elbow room . hit sensing element slow down or airt the mower as it nears an obstruction . An robotlike shutoff kicks in if the machine is lifted , give up the blade from moving . And the mower has recessed blades mounted aside from the edges of the machine to reduce the chance of cutting hands and ft that add up too tight .
Weather Protection
Most motorised lawn mowers are built to withstand out-of-door status during the mowing time of year . Some automatonlike mowers can lead in the rain , but it is not recommended since blind drunk grass does n’t cut as smoothly , and plastered conditions can spread fungal diseases to the lawn . Some robot lawn mowers have rain sensors that stop , skip , or delay a scheduled mowing in showery conditions . Other robot lawn mower can have their cutting schedule manually overridden , so exploiter can turn them off if rain is in the forecast . Still others link to a weather app that will turn the lawn mower off if rain is predicted .
Docking stations are weatherproof during the mop season . Still , in tempestuous weather condition where lightning is predicted , unplug the system provides the best protection . stretch periods of dampness , subfreezing atmospheric condition cut the mower ’s lifespan , so the lawn mower and its dockage place should both be stored indoors in the winter .
FAQs
An automatic lawn mower can be a great asset for householder who want tospend less prison term mow their lawn . Still not sure if a golem mower is ripe for you ? Read on for info and tips to ease your determination .
Some automatic mower can operate on in the rain ; others can not . However , mow only while the locoweed is dry results in a cleaner cut and reduced disease diffuse in the lawn .
A in good order keep lawn mower should last 10 years or more . Mower blades last 1 to 2 months . They can not be easily sharpened ; they must be replaced — think of them as disposable razor blade . Rechargeable batteries for robot mower last about 3 years , on average .
manufacturing business will provide an “ up to 10 square infantry ” amount for a particular mannequin . However , this issue is calculate with idealistic mowing condition in mind . Slopes , obstacle , and maverick lawn shapes as well as grass type , thickness , and ontogeny rate may all regard how much a grass press cutting robot can handle in one charge .
Some exemplar require a perimeter wire , which increase setup and winterize sentence . Depending on the lawn mower and the sizing of the lawn , it can potentially run for out of charge in the middle of a job and require recharging before continuing . The equipment can also result an unmowed strip show around the edge of a lawn that will after involve to be trimmed by manus .
robotlike mower grow an norm of 50 to 70 decibels , which is similar to the sound level of a hushed refrigerator . In comparison , a gasolene - power button mower produces 95 decibels .
Yes , an automated lawn mower can chop leaves into smaller pieces that can then be used to mulch a lawn . Some models even have a mulching function . However , although most model can hack up a few incidental leave , they ’re not designed to mulch bombastic quantities .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer speciate in the construction , remodeling , and real the three estates industriousness . She tests a panoptic range of power tools as well as other domicile advance , menage , and lawn - and - garden products .
Mark Wolfe is a author and Cartesian product tester with a background in the nursery and landscape gardening manufacture where he mowed , edged , embed , pruned , tame , irrigate , and renovated beautiful landscapes . Now he test and writes reviews about the late outdoor baron equipment , hired man tools , lawn care products , and other out-of-door living goods .
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