Robot lawn mowers are still relatively new but they have a lot to offer, like our current favourite the Worx Landroid.We look at the best robotic lawn mowers, how to decide on the best one for your needs and answer a few questions you might have.
Mowing can be a chore and often we simply do not have time. An automatic grass cutting machine takes all of the hard work out of keeping your lawn neat and tidy.
Once it is set up there is little you need to do. This will give you more time to appreciate your lawn and spend time with friends and family.
Our Top Robotic Mowers Picks
Best Robot Lawn Mower to Buy in 2023
Here are 8 of the best autonomous lawn mower options:
- WORX Landroid M WR141E Robot Lawn Mower
- Flymo EasiLife 250 GO Robotic Lawn Mower
- Einhell Power X-Change 18V Robotic Lawnmower
- Gardena Sileno city
- Yard Force Compact 400RiS Robotic Lawnmower
- LANDXCAPE LX799 300m2 Robotic Mower
- Hyundai Robot Lawnmower
- Bosch Robotic Lawnmower Indego S+ 500
1. WORX Landroid M WR141E Robot Lawn Mower
- Power source: Battery
- Weight: 9kg
- Cut width: 18cm
- Cutting positions: 4
This option from WORX, the Landroid M WR141E, takes our top spot as the best robot lawn mower. With an 18cm cutting width, it will make quick work of lawns up to 500m2.
It is easy to set up and simple to use unless you want to get into the more advanced settings and programming. You can do the setup or changes from an App or directly on the mower.
One thing that sets this robot mower apart is the AIA technology. This makes it a smart mower and improves performance and power. The mowing pattern is a lot more intelligent than many other robot mowers so the results are neater and faster. It is also good on lawn edges.
You can adjust the height from 20 to 50mm for a perfect finish all year long. The Landroid M WR141E is robust and reliable.
WORX offers a range of handy modules you can add on if they are needed. This helps keep the price down so you only pay for what you need. The optional modules include Radio Link, ACS (Anti-collision system), Voice Control and find my Landroid.
There are several other models in this line for smaller or larger gardens.
Pros:
- Smart technology
- User-friendly
- Fast
- Neat cut
- Effective on edges
Cons:
- Somewhat pricey
- Some users had issues setting up optional modules
2. Flymo EasiLife 250 GO Robotic Lawn Mower
- Power source: Battery
- Weight: 6.1kg
- Cut width: 60cm
- Cutting positions: 20 to 50mm
Perfect for a small garden up to 250m2 is the agile EasiLife 250 GO by Flymo. It is compact and light allowing it to easily move around even in tricky spaces as well as narrow passages.
While it manicures your lawn it is super-quiet so will not disturb your household or any neighbours. It is adaptable and can change its schedule according to weather conditions. This is thanks to the FrostSense and LawnSense features.
Despite being packed with advanced technology, it could not be easier to use. It has simple LEDs to guide control so there is no need for complicated programming. It does have a Bluetooth app to allow you to do more complex functions if you wish. The app also allows you to troubleshoot the mower should you encounter problems.
Keeping it clean is a breeze as you can wash it down with a hose after use. It also has safety sensors.
Pros:
- Small and light
- Low noise
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Limited advanced controls
- No WiFi
3. Einhell Power X-Change 18V Robotic Lawnmower
- Power source: Battery
- Weight: 14.3kg
- Cut width: 18cm
- Cutting positions: 20 to 60 mm
You can comfortably mow a lawn up to 1200m² with this tough Einhell Robotic Mower. It has an 18cm cutting width and a powerful 18V battery.
An impressive feature is that this is part of the Einhell X-Change line. This means that you can interchange the batteries with a range of other compatible Einhell garden and power tools. This is convenient and can save you money down the line.
It has an easy-to-use LCD and keypad or can be controlled by Bluetooth using an intuitive app.
If you have an irregular lawn or various zones the multi-zone mowing mode will take care of this challenge. Once set up it will work seamlessly between zones or tackle more complex shapes.
The cutting height options range from 20 to 60mm. It has a PIN code and a warning signal to protect your investment from theft.
The Einhell also has tilt and lift sensors for safety and a rain sensor.
Pros:
- Quality power
- Multi-zone feature
- Safety features
- PIN code and warning signal
Cons:
- The technology comes at a cost
- Below average edging
4. Gardena Sileno city
- Power source: Battery
- Weight: 14.5kg
- Cut width: 16cm
- Cutting positions: Adjustable from 20 to 50mm
This is a quality robust lawnmower that works hard in gardens up to 300 m². The cut width is 16 cm and the height positions are from 20 to 50mm. Gardena is a popular and highly-rated brand with a wide range to choose from.
The Sileno city has a Bluetooth App with a range of roughly 10m. The app will allow you to control a range of features and settings. Installation is quick and easy thanks to the EasyConfig feature.
You can expect a neat cut thanks to the smart SensorCut System. The mower works in the rain and can be hosed down after use for easy cleaning. It works well in narrow passages of lawn. The anti-theft feature will keep the mower safe.
Pros:
- Powerful app
- Neat streak-free cut
- Easy to clean
- Installation is easy
- Waterproof
- Anti-theft feature
Cons:
- Not the best value for money
5. Yard Force Compact 400RiS Robotic Lawnmower
- Power source: Battery
- Weight: 7.4kg
- Cut width: 16cm
- Cutting positions: Adjustable from 20 to 55mm
For small to medium gardens up to 400m² Yard Force offers decent value for money with the 400RiS. It is light, compact, and nimble. It has a 16cm cutting width.
Thanks to the brushless motor you get a bit more life out of the Samsung 20V Lithium-Ion battery.
You can operate it from a user-friendly app and it is WiFi enabled. What is great at this price range is the iRadar-Active Safety Ultrasonic Sensor. This feature allows for fairly accurate obstacle avoidance and collision detection. This helps to make it safer and more effective.
Additional safety features tilt and turnover sensors. The 400RiS also has rain sensors and automatic charging meaning even less to worry about.
You have a choice of cutting heights ranging from 20 to 55mm to get the perfect height for your needs. The blades are sharp for a neat clean cut.
Pros:
- Value for money
- Brushless motor
- Obstacle avoidance
- WiFi-enabled
- Good safety features
- Compact
Cons:
- Haphazard cutting pattern
- Limited programming options
6. LANDXCAPE LX799 300m2 Robotic Mower 411
- Power source: Battery
- Weight: 12.9kg
- Cut width: 16cm
- Cutting positions: 4
LANDXCAPE delivers an affordable option that is suitable for smaller gardens of 300m2 or less. It is an easy model to start and user-friendly to operate. An effective 3-blade cutting system allows for a neat and accurate cut.
The mulching feature leaves fine lawn clipping on the surface. These can be left to form a natural fertiliser for a healthier greener lawn.
It is a good choice if you have narrow paths and can handle these with ease. The mower will recharge automatically when necessary.
The negatives are that it does not have WiFi connectivity and takes a while to recharge.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Mulching feature
- Gives a neat cut
- Works in narrow passages
Cons:
- Long charge time
- No WiFi
7. Hyundai Robot Lawnmower, 625sq Metre
- Power source: Battery
- Weight: 7.5kg
- Cut width: 18cm
- Cutting positions: 7
The compact Hyundai Robot Lawnmower is a mid-priced option that can handle lawns up to 625m2. This makes it ideal for medium to larger gardens.
It sports a 22.2V Lithium Ion Battery and has a cutting width of 18cm. The brushless motor allows the battery to last longer and makes it quieter than the average robot mower.
A good range of 7 cutting heights will allow you to achieve the ideal results according to the weather and your preference.
The mulching feature is handy as it means no raking up and the clippings will break down and deliver nutrients to the soil.
It comes with a 2-year Hyundai warranty.
Pros:
- Brushless motor
- Good battery
- Multiple cutting height options
- Mulching feature
- Quiet operation
- Smart mowing
Cons:
- Some found support to be poor
- Not the best value for money
8. Bosch Robotic Lawnmower Indego S+ 500
- Power source: Battery
- Weight: 7.7kg
- Cut width: 19cm
- Cutting positions: 3
Bosh is a trusted name in power tools and garden equipment. The Indego S+ 500 has a 19cm cutting width and an 18V battery. This robot mower is suitable for gardens up to 500 m². It has a bump sensor making it the ideal choice for tricky lawns that are not perfectly even and flat.
The BorderCut feature creates neat edges. It can operate without a guide wire in narrow corridors as small as 75cm. It also has a mulching feature.
It is easy to operate and works via an app function. It looks at the weather, maps out the lawn area, and you can input your preferences. This allows it to deliver an optimal mowing schedule.
You can also connect to other smart devices using IFTTT. You can use Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for voice control.
The only downside to this mower is that it is on the expensive side.
Pros:
- Great technology
- Optimal mowing features
- Neat boarders
- Bump sensor
Cons:
- Expensive
How to Buy the Best Robotic Lawn Mowers
The best robotic lawn mower for your garden will take the effort out of keeping the lawn neat and tidy. A robot grass cutter requires little to no work once it is set up and is a pleasure to use.
There are several things to consider before investing in the best automatic lawn mower:
Size of Lawn Area
This is one of the most important considerations when selecting a self-mowing lawn mower. You need to invest in one that can comfortably cover the size of your lawn area.
If you are looking for the best robotic mower for 1 acre, a robot mower for 2 acres, or even the best robot lawn mower for 5 acres, you might have to look at the more industrial models on the market.
Cutting Width
The cutting width will determine how much grass is cut with every pass so the size of your garden will determine the ideal cutting width. Too small and will take forever to cut a large lawn, too large and it will not be accurate and agile in a smaller garden.
Battery Life
The longer the battery life the more work the auto lawn mower can do between charges. Good battery life will make it more efficient.
Automatic Recharge
The great thing about automatic lawn mower robot models is they sense when the battery is running low and return to the docking station to recharge. You don’t have to lift a finger.
Single and Multi-Zones
If you have a simple patch of lawn this is not an issue but for more complex gardens with various areas of grass, you will need one that has a multi-zone feature. This allows it to automatically move from zone to zone without any effort from you.
Cutting Height
One needs to adjust the cutting height according to the type of grass you have, your preference, the seasons, and weather conditions. Some mowers have a very limited range of height settings while others give you more options.
Noise
A mowing robot is naturally quieter than a petrol lawn mower and even a corded electric mower. Due to the way they operate they even make less noise than most battery-powered mowers. This is a benefit as it will not disturb your household or your neighbours.
Mulching
Mulching means cutting the grass blades into very small pieces. These can remain on the lawn and break down naturally. This process is basically like free fertiliser and will enrich the soil. The result, apart from not having to rake up grass, is a healthy verdant lawn.
Communication Technolgy
Some lawn robot designs are fairly basic and are either programmed manually or with a simple display panel. The more sophisticated robotic cordless lawn mower models use a range of communication protocols such as WiFi and Bluetooth. This gives you a true remote control lawn mower and greater convenience. Apps allow you to control the mower from your mobile device making a smart mower.
Ease of Set Up
The hardest part about using a robot grass mower is the initial setup. This only needs to be done once and is generally quite simple. It involves setting up the docking station and laying the boundary wires. Most models come with everything you need. Once set up, you can relax and let the grass-cutting robot do all the hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are robot lawn mowers any good?
Yes, the modern ones are very good. Some early models were problematic but the technology, design, and batteries have improved dramatically over recent years. There are many good robot lawn mowers on the market.
How do robot lawn mowers work?
They are battery-operated and (most) return automatically to a charging dock that is plugged into an electrical outlet. During the installation process, guide wires are laid at the edges of the lawn to tell it where to go and where not to go. You can program various features depending on your lawn and your preference.
Robot lawn mower – where does the grass go?
Since automatic mowers cut more often they take off less grass than a conventional mower so grass clippings should not be an issue. If it has not worked for a while you might need to rake up the clippings and dispose of them. Some mowers have a mulching feature that leaves fine clipping on the lawn. These break down and feed nutrients into the soil.
How big a yard can a robot lawn mower do?
This comes down to the cutting width and the power of the battery. You get models that cut small gardens of a few 100m² up to over 1800m². For much larger gardens you will need an advanced robot lawn mower specifically designed for large areas.
How to prevent theft of robot lawn mower
Many mowers come with technology to protect them. These include alarms/alerts, lift sensors, PIN codes, and a GPS locator feature similar to those found on a mobile phone. You can also get an installation lock or a time lock device.
What happens if you put a robot mower on a lawn that’s too big?
The majority of mowers cut in a random fashion. The battery, even the best ones, has a limited life. If the lawn is too big for the robot mower it will never be able to get to all areas of the lawn. You will find the area closer to the charging dock to be cut fairly well while the outlying areas cut very little if at all.
How to program a robotic lawn mower
This largely depends on the technology the mower uses and what features you want to use. Some are pretty much plug-and-play once you have installed the guide wires and docking station. A Bluetooth app is one of the most common ways to program a robotic lawn mower. These apps are generally user-friendly and guide you through the process. Others use LEDs or a display panel.
How much is a robotic lawn mower?
They range in price from under £400 to north of £2000. It depends on the brand, size, technology, and features.
Conclusion
If you wanted to know more about the benefits of robot lawn mowers you should now have everything you need to know. We also gave you some good tips on 8 of the best robot mowers on the market.
Give some thought to your lawn size, your lawn care need, and your budget. This will guide you to select the one that is best suited to your needs.
Please feel free to share this article and drop us a comment if you have any questions or points to discuss.
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Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.
