With the right robot mower, lawn care becomes effortless. However, low-quality models make more mistakes — they have inferior interfaces and outdated tech. So we searched the shelves of Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart for the best robot lawn mowers.
We carefully compared each model’s specs and ease of use, then reviewed the top robotic mowers. We discuss each model’s strengths and weaknesses, followed by a robot lawn mower buying guide.
Our top picks
Top 2 robot lawn mowers for large yards – Reviews
1. EcoFlow Blade – Best overall
The best robot mower for large lawns is the EcoFlow Blade. It uses cutting-edge technology to skillfully care for lawns as large as 1 acre. It mows over rough terrain and hills as steep as 27 degrees. In addition to mowing and mulching, it comes with a Lawn Sweeper that cleans leaves, twigs, and other yard debris.
With wireless boundaries, it’s super simple to get started. The EcoFlow App only takes a few minutes to set up; then, the mower does all the work for you:
- Route planning: It automatically plans routes using real-time kinematic positioning (RTK) and you can have two zones with separate mow settings.
- Object avoidance: It uses light detection, sensors, and infrared technology to avoid objects, such as landscaping.
- Weather handling: It’s IPX5 weather-resistant with rain sensors. When it rains, the blade stops, and the mower returns to its charging station.
The EcoFlow mower is a handy helper for homeowners with large yards and wiggle room in their budgets. Although it’s the most expensive mower on our list, it has a sizable mowing area and many fruitful features.
Specifications
- Battery: 298 Wh / 20 volt
- Cutting heights: .8 – 3 inches
- Cutting width: 10 inches
- Lawn size: Up to 1 acre
- Max incline: 27 degrees
- Noise level: 59 – 65 dB
- Runtime: 130 min.
- Warranty: 4 years
- Weight: 37.5 lb.
Special features
| Anti-theft | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth / 4G |
| GPS | Yes |
| Virtual Assistant Compatible | No |
| Wireless perimeter | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy set up ✓ Advanced object avoidance ✓ IPX5 weather-resistant ✓ Automatic route planning ✓ Comes with a sweeper | ✗ Expensive ✗ Gets stuck sometimes ✗ No Wi-Fi connectivity |
Where to buy
2. Robomow RK4000 – Runner up
If the EcoFlow robot is too pricey for your preference, consider the Robomow RK4000. It has fewer bells and whistles but costs considerably less. We love its high-quality cuts and pristine edging. It works well on lawns up to 1 acre with inclines up to 24 degrees. Homeowners who like tall grass will especially love its 4-inch max mow height.
It’s more challenging to set up than the EcoFlow Blade. But after installing the guide wire, the rest is simple. Robomow’s user-friendly app and expert support team ensure proper programming:
- Route planning: You can program four starting points and two separate mowing zones.
- Object avoidance: You must install wire to establish boundaries. It has an “escape mode” to get through narrow passages and all-direction sensors that avoid obstacles.
- Weather handling: It doesn’t have rain sensors, so be mindful of the weather. Cut quality declines in wet conditions.
Additionally, it has a brushless DC motor and enhanced safety features such as a child lock and lift sensors.
Specifications
- Battery: 9.6 Ah / 18 volt
- Cutting heights: .8 – 4 inches
- Cutting width: 16.5 inches
- Lawn size: Up to 1 acre
- Max incline: 24 degrees
- Noise level: 64 dB
- Runtime: 120 min.
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 27.3 lb.
Special features
| Anti-theft | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth / Cellular |
| GPS | Yes |
| Virtual Assistant Compatible | No |
| Wireless perimeter | No |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Multiple mow zones ✓ Enhanced safety ✓ Floating deck ✓ Refined edging ✓ Mows high | ✗ Uses boundary wire ✗ No rain sensors ✗ No Wi-Fi connectivity |
Where to buy
Top 2 robot lawn mowers for medium yards – Reviews
1. Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD 1000 – Best overall
The best robot mower for medium yards is the Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD 1000. Mammotion uses the most advanced auto-mowing technology — they have over 150 robot patents! You can even refuel its runtime via solar power. With its all-wheel drive, the mower effortlessly tackles lawns up to ¼ acres, even with rough terrain and slopes as steep as 38 degrees.
It’s simple to set up, with wireless boundaries, a mobile app, and smart home integration. Mammotion continuously improves the mower’s functionality, so they use FOTA (Firmware-Over-The-Air) to update software remotely. It’s accessible and feature-packed:
- Route planning: It has RTK with centimeter-level accuracy and the power to plan for multiple mowing zones. It also does lawn printing with several patterns, including a heart, football, and English letters.
- Object avoidance: It prevents collision damage with 3D Vision, ultrasonic radar, and a material bumper. It has no blind spots, and the signal stays strong under trees and rooftops. The mower has multiple features that keep it from colliding with children and pets.
- Weather handling: Using rain sensors and your local weather report, the LUBA intuitively adjusts its mow schedule based on the weather. The robot is IPX6 waterproof, and the RTK station is IPX7.
It’s durable and easy to use but a bit pricey. However, you can sleep soundly knowing your investment is protected. It has state-of-the-art theft prevention, including GPS tracking, app notifications, and a geofence alarm.
Specifications
- Battery: 4.5 Wh / 25.2 volt
- Cutting heights: 1 – 2.7 inches
- Cutting width: 15.7 inches
- Lawn size: Up to ¼ acre
- Max incline: 38 degrees
- Noise level: 60 dB
- Runtime: 180 min.
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 38.8 lb.
Special features
| Anti-theft | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth / 4G / Wi-Fi |
| GPS | Yes |
| Virtual Assistant Compatible | Alexa / Google Home |
| Wireless perimeter | Yes |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy set up ✓ Advanced object avoidance ✓ IPX6 waterproof ✓ Enhanced safety ✓ Multiple mow zones ✓ Smart home compatible ✓ Lawn printing ✓ All-wheel drive | ✗ The app has a learning curve ✗ Expensive |
Where to buy
2. Husqvarna Automower 415X – Runner up
Our second favorite medium-yard robot is the Husqvarna Automower 415X. It makes pristine cuts and fine mulch. The Automower handles lawns slightly larger than ⅓ acre and hills as steep as 21 degrees. It’s more affordable than the LUBA and handles bigger lawns, but it uses guide wire and can’t mow on as steep a slope.
Like the LUBA, the Automower uses FOTA for effortless software updates. After establishing the lawn’s perimeter, the Automower Connect App makes mowing manageable:
- Route planning: You can create multiple zones with different mow settings and stay-out zones. Additionally, it has a spot mowing feature that senses tall grass in places that are hard to reach.
- Object avoidance: It uses boundary wire, collision sensors, and automatic passage handling. It also has a rubber bumper.
- Weather handling: It’s IPX5 weather-resistant. The weather timer adjusts the robot’s mowing practices to suit sunshine and rainfall levels. In frost, it automatically stops mowing to avoid damaging the grass.
The Automower 415X is an advanced machine that facilitates lawn care. It can be annoying to set up the guide wire, but it’s smooth sailing from there.
Specifications
- Battery: 2 Ah / 18 volt
- Cutting heights: .8 – 2 inches
- Cutting width: 8.7 inches
- Lawn size: Up to ⅖ acre
- Max incline: 21.8 degrees
- Noise level: 62 dB
- Runtime: 50 min.
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 21 lb.
Special features
| Anti-theft | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth / Cellular / Wi-Fi |
| GPS | Yes |
| Virtual Assistant Compatible | Amazon Alexa / Google Home / IFTTT |
| Wireless perimeter | No |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ IPX5 weather-resistant ✓ Smart home compatible ✓ Multiple mow zones ✓ Fantastic cut quality ✓ Spot cutting ✓ Easy to clean | ✗ Uses a boundary wire ✗ Sometimes the mower has trouble getting back to its charger |
Where to buy
Top 2 robot lawn mowers for small yards – Reviews
1. Gardena SILENO City – Best overall
The best small-yard robot is the Gardena SILENO City. Featuring the finest German engineering, it gives pristine manicures to lawns up to ⅛ acres with slopes up to 19 degrees. It’s the quietest mower on our list, making less noise than normal conversation.
Boundary wire installation can be cumbersome, but Gardena offers easy-to-follow videos that guide you through the process. We love its user-friendly app and straightforward mow management:
- Route planning: To tweak the mower’s settings, use the GARDENA Bluetooth App or the robot’s control panel. The spot mowing feature covers hard-to-reach areas, such as grass beneath outdoor furniture and trampolines.
- Object avoidance: It uses boundary wire and collision sensors.
- Weather handling: It doesn’t have a rain sensor but is weather proof. It can safely mow in the rain.
Gardena is an industry leader with over 20 years of robot mower-making experience. In 2018, Sileno City won the prestigious reddot award for its quality and style. What it lacks in specialty features, it makes up for with cut quality and design.
Specifications
- Battery: 2.1 Ah / 18 volt
- Cutting heights: .8 – 2 inches
- Cutting width: 6.3 inches
- Lawn size: ⅛ acre
- Max incline: 19°
- Noise level: 57 dB
- Runtime: 65 min
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 15.9 lb.
Special features
| Anti-theft | No |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| GPS | No |
| Virtual Assistant Compatible | No |
| Wireless perimeter | No |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Quiet ✓ Easy to clean ✓ Spot cutting ✓ Weather proof ✓ Attractive design ✓ Fantastic cut quality ✓ Easy-to-follow video instructions | ✗ No GPS ✗ No anti-theft ✗ No rain sensor ✗ Uses a boundary wire ✗ No Wi-Fi connectivity |
Where to buy
2. Worx Landroid S – Runner up
Our second favorite small-yard robot is also the most affordable mower on our list — the Worx Landroid S. Worx keeps the price low by selling many features separately; you don’t have to pay for functionality you don’t want. The Landroid S is ideal for lawns up to ⅛ acre with inclines up to 20 degrees.
It takes some time to set up the guide wire, but once that’s complete, mowing management is effortless:
- Route planning: The user-friendly app has a performance dashboard where you can finetune mow settings.
- Object avoidance: Worx uses wheel torque sensors to avoid collisions. Its patented algorithm has no trouble mowing narrow paths. By default, it uses guide wire, but you can buy additional equipment for wireless boundaries. You also can purchase separate equipment to enhance its anti-collision ability.
- Weather handling: It has rain sensors. When it rains, the Landroid returns to its charging station.
In addition, the mower features a floating cutting disk that intuitively adjusts to match the unevenness of your lawn.
Specifications
- Battery: 2 Ah / 20 volt
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 3.5 inches
- Cutting width: 7 inches
- Lawn size: Up to ⅛ acre
- Max incline: 20 degrees
- Noise level: 65 dB
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 21.16 lb.
Special features
| Anti-theft | Sold separately |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth / Cellular / Wi-Fi |
| GPS | Sold separately (comes with the anti-theft device) |
| Virtual Assistant Compatible | Alexa |
| Wireless perimeter | Sold separately |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Floating blade disc ✓ Alexa skill available ✓ User-friendly app ✓ Great for narrow passages | ✗ Doesn’t come with the best collision prevention ✗ Gets stuck sometimes ✗ Sometimes the mower has trouble getting back to its charger ✗ Many features are sold separately |
Where to buy
Buyer’s guide
To buy the best robot mower, please consider the following:
- How a robot lawn mower works
- Lawn size
- Border detection
- Cutting incline
- Noise level
- Additional features
- Cost
How a robot lawn mower works
Before buying a robotic lawn mower, consider its purpose and operation. Robot lawn mowers work similarly to robot vacuums. Just set them up, and they handle the rest.
Here are the basics:
- Lithium-ion batteries fuel these cordless electric mowers.
- Their charging station is called a docking station, base station, or home base.
- They automatically leave home base to mow.
- Most models mow daily, giving the grass a slight trim.
- They dice grass clippings into a fine mulch that fertilizes the lawn and sustains the soil.
- When done, the mower automatically returns to home base.
Lawn size
A robot’s mowing area indicates the maximum lawn size it can handle. Mammotion’s flagship robot handles lawns as large as 2.5 acres, while the Gardena Minimo only handles up to 2,700 square feet. To find the best lawn mower for your yard, consider its size:
- Over an acre: You may want to rethink robotic mowing. Homeowners with larger lawns pay a premium for auto mowing; very few models can handle yards over an acre. Unless you have a lot of money and a shortage of storage space, we recommend the top riding mowers, such as our favorite zero-turn lawn mowers.
- ½ – 1 acre: Large lawn robots cost 50 percent to 60 percent more than small and medium yard models. They typically have long battery life and an 8- to 16-inch cutting width. Most allow for separate zones with different mowing schedules. But if your budget’s under $1,000, you may prefer one of the best mowers for big yards or the top gas-powered mowers.
- ¼ – ⅓ acre: The majority of robot mowers handle these medium lawns. Most models have a 7- to 8.7-inch cutting width. Some allow for multiple mowing zones. But, if you’re still not sold on robotic mowing, explore the best push mowers and the highest-ranked self-propelled mowers.
- Under ¼ acre: If you have a smaller lawn, you can choose from the lowest-priced robot models. They typically have a 6- to 8-inch cutting width, and most only allow for one mow zone. If spending $600 to $1,000 on a mower bursts your budget, consider one of the best mowers for small yards or the top mowers under $300.
Border detection
Most robot mowers use boundary wire (also called guide wire or perimeter wire) to establish the mowing area. A few high-end models have virtual boundaries that don’t require wire. Wireless boundaries are less cumbersome, but more pricey.
Cutting incline
Make sure your mower can climb your lawn’s steepest hill. A robot mower’s cutting incline tells you how steep a slope it can mow. We typically measure a slope’s steepness in degrees.
The table below describes the maximum incline that robotic mowers can handle.
| Average max incline | 24° |
| Typical range | 16 – 33° |
| Extreme low | 9° |
| Extreme high | 40° |
The following diagram illustrates the slopes in the table above.
A few manufacturers list their mowers’ max incline in percentage instead of degrees. No worries. An online calculator can convert the percentage to degrees.
Noise level
We measure noise level in decibels (dB). The average lawn mower has a noise level of around 94 dB. In contrast, the average robot mower only gets as loud as 60 dB.
Why is noise hazardous? Loud noise can annoy your neighbors, wake your children, and make your head feel like it’s about to explode. Furthermore, the CDC warns that prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 dB can cause hearing loss.
The table below describes the typical noise level of robot lawn mowers.
| Average noise level | 60 dB |
| Typical range | 56 – 64 dB |
| Low | 54 dB |
| High | 68 dB |
Additional features
You may want to consider a robot mower with special features or superior specs. Look out for these coveted characteristics:
- GPS tracking: Robots with GPS have better navigation and theft-tracking.
- Remote connection: Many robot mowers can connect to Wi-Fi, cellular networks, or Bluetooth, giving you remote control. They often have a user-friendly app to adjust settings and monitor mowing. A few models can connect to voice assistants (e.g., Amazon Alexa) and smart home devices (e.g., Google Home).
- Theft prevention: Some mowers have anti-theft features such as GPS theft tracking, geofencing, or a security PIN code.
- Safety features: Robot mowers should have a collision sensor to prevent crashes and blades that automatically stop when the mower lifts off the ground.
- All-wheel drive (AWD): If your yard has steep slopes or rugged terrain, consider buying one of the few all-wheel-drive models.
- Weather protection: Some models have weather-resistant or waterproof construction. They also may have rain sensors. Some refrain from mowing when they sense rain or adjust mowing practices to match precipitation.
- Variable cutting height: Look for a mower that cuts your grass properly.
The table below describes robot mowers’ cutting height range.
| Typical minimum cutting height | .75 – 1.75 in. |
| Typical maximum cutting height | 2.25 – 3.75 in. |
| High maximum height | 4 in. |
| Low minimum height | .5 in. |
Cost
Most robot lawn mowers cost $900 – $2,200, which is more than the typical cost of a lawn mower.
| Average price | $1,550 |
| Typical price range | $900 – $2,200 |
| Extreme low | $600 |
| Extreme high | $5,000 |
FAQ about robot lawn mowers
What are the main advantages of using a robot mower?
According to Clint Waltz, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension specialist, “The biggest advantage they offer is time and labor savings.” In addition to saving you time and sweat, robot mowers have the following benefits:
- Compact size: They fit snugly in storage and mow through narrow paths.
- Quiet operation: They’re very quiet. Typically, no louder than a washing machine.
- Low-maintenance: They have less moving parts, so there’s less to maintain. Additionally, they’re electric so you don’t have to mess with a gas engine.
- No gas: There’s no gas fumes to dissatisfy your senses and pollute the environment.
- Random mow pattern: It promotes upward growth.
- Mulching capability: They feed your lawn natural nitrogen through grass clipping mulch. However, the best mulching lawn mowers do the same and most of them cost significantly less.
What are the best robot mower brands?
The best robot mower brands are:
- Mammotion
- Gardena
- EcoFlow
- Husqvarna
- Robomow
- Worx
What are the best electric lawn mowers?
The best electric lawns mowers include:
- Best push mower: Ego Power+ LM2114
- Best self-propelled mower: Ego Power+ Select Cut
- Best zero-turn mower: RYOBI RYRM8034
Are robot lawn mowers worth it?
Lawn mowing is much easier when a robot does all the work. Some homeowners with wiggle room in their budgets eagerly spend the bread to avoid DIY lawn care. But there’s a better way — it requires even less effort while delivering superior results.
Lawn Love links you to affordable local lawn care pros. To work with us, pros must carry insurance, pass a background check, and have a proven track record of customer satisfaction and lawn care success. Our pros can outperform a robot on any given day. You don’t have to be home when they mow, and you can manage the service through our user-friendly app.
Sources:
- “Extension specialist discusses advantages of robotic mowers.” UGA Today. University of Georgia
- “Noise and Occupational Hearing Loss.” The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Robotic Lawnmower: SILENO city.” reddot
- Taehyun Shim et al. “Autonomous vehicle collision avoidance system using path planning and model-predictive-control-based active front steering and wheel torque control.” Sage Journals. vol. 226, no. 6
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love earns revenue from products promoted in this article.
Main photo credit: distelAPPArath | Pixabay with text overlay
