What is the Best Robot Mower Right Now?
After testing some of the top robot mowers on the market, ZDNET’s pick for the best robot mower overall is the Mammotion Luba 2. This all-wheel-drive robot lawn mower uses a virtual, GPS-powered boundary and can handle up to 80-degree slopes and mow up to 0.25 acres in one go, with options going up to 2.5 acres.
The Best Robot Mowers of 2025
- Mammotion Luba 2: A reliable mower for your uneven yard. Accurate enough to mow without straying, the Luba 2 also features AWD.
- Husqvarna 430X: An excellent robot mower with a wire boundary installation, especially if you don’t want to risk your mower stepping out of your property line.
- MowRo RM24: Are willing to forgo some smart features in favor of an affordable robot mower option that retails for $350, which is about the same as a self-propelled push mower.
- Husqvarna 450XH EPOS: A robot lawn mower that can tackle yards up to 2.5 acres and doesn’t need boundary or guide wires to get the job done.
What to Consider When Choosing a Robot Mower
When choosing a robot mower, several factors should be considered:
- Lawn size: Robot mowers are only as good as their capacity, which means the size of your lawn greatly impacts which model you should choose.
- Obstacles: A robot mower’s navigation is governed by the sensors and cameras it has to avoid getting too close to obstacles.
- Terrain: Your yard’s terrain should also be considered when shopping for a robot mower, especially if it has many slopes.
- Perimeter & installation: Robot mowers have different navigation types, including GPS and perimeter limitations.
- Cutting height: It’s not bad to be picky about your lawn; robot mower manufacturers know this.
- Cutting width: A narrow cutting width typically lets the robot mower navigate tight spaces and paths more easily, but this means the robot mower may take too long to mow larger lawns.
- Maintenance: Consider how important upkeep is to you and how much time you will dedicate.
How to Test Robot Mowers
When testing robot mowers, we evaluate:
- Maximum capacity: Robot mowers run on an integrated, rechargeable battery. This means that they may be best suited for lawns of a certain size.
- Lawn complexity navigation: You should consider your terrain and lawn shape, including the number of obstacles and slopes.
- Cutting width: Due to their construction, robot mowers have much smaller cutting decks than their riding and even push mower counterparts.
- Controls: Many robot mowers use a mobile app to set schedules, send maintenance reminders, and display information like battery life.
- Price: Because the technology is fairly new, robot mowers are expensive, often ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.
Other Robot Lawn Mowers Worth Considering
- Some of the most advanced robot mowers on the market include built-in security features, like PIN code protection, alarm systems that activate when the robot is lifted, geofencing capabilities to alert when a mower leaves a designated area, and a cellular connection to locate a stolen mower.
- Robot mowers run more often than traditional lawn mowers, depending on the grass growth rate, desired lawn appearance, and seasonal changes.
- If you have hilly terrain, check how the robot mower you’re interested in can handle slopes and uneven areas before purchasing it.
Conclusion
Robot mowers have revolutionized the way we maintain our lawns, providing a convenient and efficient way to keep our grass trimmed and looking its best. With so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. By considering the factors outlined above and reading reviews, you can find the perfect robot mower for your lawn.
FAQs
Q: What is the best robot mower for a small lawn?
A: The MowRo RM24 is a great option for small lawns, retailing for $350 and capable of mowing yards up to 0.25 acres.
Q: Can robot mowers handle hilly terrain?
A: Yes, many robot mowers, like the AWD Mammotion Luba 2, are designed to handle hills and slopes. Check the maximum slope gradient in the device’s specifications when shopping for a robot mower.
Q: How often do robot mowers need to be maintained?
A: Robot mowers typically require periodic cleaning to maintain efficiency, especially when the yard is muddy, and small blades that spin rapidly to cut grass, but become dull much quicker than standard blades, requiring replacement every month.
