If you’re fed up with pushing a heavy mower around the garden; if you hate the fact that your shed is all consumed by a large mower or if you just don’t have the time to get on top of the mowing then a robot lawnmower is the perfect solution.
These mowers work by using a guidewire or GPS to navigate your lawn and they mow to a schedule that ensures the grass never gets away from you.
There’s a lot to be considered when you’re buying a new robot lawnmower and not every model will suit your garden.
That’s why I’ve put together this review article, showing you some of the best robotic lawnmowers available on the market and the key features they have to offer. I’ve included a handy buyer’s guide as well as some FAQs to help you choose the perfect mower for your lawn. I’ve personally reviewed every lawnmower on this list so can assure you they are the best choices, plus I updated in 2023 to the latest and greatest.
I just finished reviewing the available robot lawnmowers in the market in 2024 and I am surprised how much has changed just in 12 months, but worry no more, Appliance Hunter presents the best options for you/
I’ve linked them all through to Amazon so you can find them a the cheapest price but you can also buy many of these at Argos, Screwfix or B&Q.
Top 5 Best Robot Lawn Mowers
- 1. Top Choice – WORX Landroid M500+ WR165E Robot Lawn Mower
- 2. Runner Up – Flymo EasiLife 350 Robotic Lawn Mower
- 3. Best For Large Gardens – Husqvarna Automower 430X Robotic Lawn Mower
- 4. Best For Small Gardens –Bosch Indego XS 300 Robotic Lawnmower
- 5. Best Budget Option – LawnMaster L10 Robotic Lawnmower
1. Top Choice – WORX Landroid M500+ WR165E Robot Lawn Mower
Brand: WORX
Pros
- Mows up to 500 sq meters
- Pre-programmed for ease of use
- Option of add-on modules
- Come in different size options
- Easy to wash
Cons
- Not perfect for tall grass
The Worx Landroid is a highly adaptable robot mower. It’s available in various sizes to suit any lawn but we’ll focus on the 500 sq meter model. With a cutting width of 18 cm and a max incline of 27%, this robot can handle most standard small gardens with ease.
It uses advanced AIA technology to mow more efficiently as well as auto-scheduling so you never need to worry about it.
The only real challenge with the product is that it could avoid tall grass, so if you buy it make sure to use it regularly (as it is intended)
If you love customisable technology then this is the mower for you. It has the option of loads of unique add-ons so you can design the model to suit you best. These options include an anti-collision sensor, voice control, GPS tracker, off-limits, and radio link.
2. Runner Up – Flymo EasiLife 350 Robotic Lawn Mower
Brand: Flymo
Pros
- Tilt, lift and collision sensor
- 35% slope
- Weatherproof
- Silent
Cons
- Not suitable for a bigger garden
This mower can handle up to 350m2 lawns maximum If your lawn is larger than this it will struggle to keep up, so you should really keep attention on this while choosing the robot.
To set up this mower you have to install a guidewire around the edge of your lawn so the mower knows where to go. This involves pegging it on display which is easier to install but is visible or you can bury it underground. This is more intensive to install and you won’t notice breaks as easily but it will make the garden look tidier.
The mower also needs an outdoor charging point that is weatherproof so sometimes it’s necessary to build a shelter for it. This needs to be added to the costs. These mowers are also high risk for robberies and they’re easily lifted out of the garden at night or when you’re not home. They do come with a pin code so thieves won’t be able to use it but it’s still a risk.
All this taken into consideration, if you have the ideal set-up this mower is a fantastic option for taking care of the lawn for you. It works really well and people everywhere are raving about this mower. Click the price and reviews to head over to Amazon to read more about this robot lawnmower.
3. Best For Larger Lawns – Husqvarna Automower 430X Robotic Lawn Mower
Brand: Husqvarna
Pros
- Covers up to 5000sq meters
- Including uneven lawns
- GPS tracks your garden
- 145 minute run time
Cons
- Very pricey
- Sometimes sold out
This lawnmower review list wouldn’t be complete without a robot lawnmower! For those of us who hate mowing the lawn, this is the perfect solution. It can mow an area up to 5000 sq meters and can cope with slopes up to 45% gradient.
It can mow for 145 minutes before it needs to recharge and this takes 75 minutes. It does need an accessible charging station installed as well as a boundary wire. This is time-consuming but is a one-off task as once it’s complete the mower will do all the hard work for you!
With smart GPS navigation, it knows which areas still need to be mowed and it even comes with a smartphone app so you can monitor it. It’s weatherproof and has a rain sensor so you don’t need to worry about it in the rain.
It has tilt and lift sensors so the blades stop turning if it’s lifted up which prevents injury.
It is expensive but it handles large gardens and complex terrain with ease and it’s self mulching so no cleanup is required. It’s a great option if you’re fed up with tending to the lawn.
4. Best For Small Gardens – Bosch Indego XS 300 Robotic Lawnmower
Brand: Bosch
Pros
- Smart Connectivity
- LogiCut Navigation
- Up to 300 sq meters
- Suitable for small corridors
Cons
- Lowest cutting height is 30mm
- Can only manage 27% of Slopes
In the small gardens category, we have Bosch Indego XS 300 (it has many other options for bigger gardens, but today we concentrate on this beauty). This mower strikes the perfect balance between cost and performance and is perfect for small to medium gardens.
It can cope with up to 3 lawns as long as the total area adds up to no more than 300m2. The mower automatically returns to the charging station when needed and it takes 45 minutes to re-charge. One functionality I love is that it works perfectly in small corridors up to 75 centimetres, so it’s ideal for more complex gardens.
This little mower has a cutting width of 19cm so is small in size. It can’t cut lower than 30mm so you won’t get a bowling green smooth lawn. The mower only shaves off a few mm at a time as it mows so grass clippings are very minimal so decomposes quickly and helps nourish the lawn. This model can’t manage a garden with greater than a 27% slope so if you have a steep garden you may need to consider another model.
All in all, it’s a great choice if you have a small but complex garden.
5. Best Budget Option – LawnMaster L10 Robotic Lawnmower
Brand: LawnMaster
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Covers up to 400m2
- 2-Years Guarantee
- Lift, tilt and bump sensors
Cons
- No close to edge finish
- Only manages slope up to 25%
If price is the main concern when choosing a new lawnmower then here’s the perfect budget option for you – this is the perfect option for you,.
The mower can cover an area up to 400m2 and it has impressive height adjustment between 20-60mm. The run time is around 45 minutes with a similar automatic charging time, so it’s not the most impressive runtime, but it does the job.
It also can navigate slopes of up to 35% by pivoting 3 sharp blades.
The control panel on this mower is really simple and anyone can use it, however set up could be a bit annoying. For an inexpensive and basic model, this lawnmower is a perfect choice to keep your lawn under control.
Things To Consider When Buying A Robot Lawnmower
Perimeter Wire
Robot lawnmowers work by using sensors to detect the edge of the lawn. The majority of models need perimeter wire installed and this is a lengthy process. This wire needs to be installed around the edges of the lawn as well as around any features such a flowerbeds, pathways, and ponds to keep the mower confined to the correct area.
Docking Station
Even though they are cordless, robot lawnmowers need a charging point that they can return to when their battery is running low. These stations need an outdoor power supply so this may need to be installed if you don’t already have one. Some docking stations need protection from the sun or rain as well so shelter is needed.
Lawn Size
The area of your lawn is essential to consider in the robot lawnmower selection process. The mowing time can vary a lot between models and coupled with different cutting widths some mowers just can’t handle a large area. Check the maximum area stated in the lawnmower reviews and make sure you choose one that’s suitable for your lawn.
Weather Sensor
Some robot mowers come with the ability to detect whether or not it’s raining. Some do this by using wifi to check the forecast and some have rain detectors built in. This is a very handy feature as it will protect the mower from getting damaged in the rain and also prevent the grass from being cut whilst wet which can cause tearing and leaves an untidy finish.
GPS
How the lawnmower navigates your garden can vary depending on the model. Some simply use sensors to figure out where they need to go. This can lead to missed patches over time. Some mowers track their movements using GPS or a built in algorithm to make sure they cover all areas of the lawn.
Smart Connectivity
Connecting the lawnmower to your smart home setup can have lots of benefits. From anti theft to voice control it’s never been easier to keep an eye on the lawnmower. Some models of robot lawnmowers have Bluetooth connectivity or a smartphone app so this is worth looking out for to keep things simple.
F.A.Q.s
Are robot lawn mowers any good?
Robot lawnmowers are reliable and timesaving when it comes to garden maintenance. The issue with them is that you need to find one suitable for your lawn and like any other lawnmower, they can come with issues. The batteries can be expensive to replace and if the guidewire breaks it’s a real pain to dig it up and fix it.
How long do robotic mowers last?
If the lawnmower is well looked after, cleaned, and serviced then it should last around 10 years. The batteries, however, only last 3-6 years so will need to be replaced if you want to extend the life of your mower.
How do I choose a robotic lawn mower?
The first and most important thing to consider when choosing a robotic lawnmower is the size of your lawn. Robot mowers are designed to cover various areas so make sure you choose one that will manage your lawn area with ease.
Do robot lawn mowers get stolen?
In theory, it is possible that someone passing by could easily grab the mower and take off with it. Most mowers come with PIN protection so they won’t work if stolen. Some models come with alarms and phone apps that can track them so this added protection helps deter thieves.
Do robotic lawn mowers collect the grass?
All robot lawnmowers are mulching by design so they cut the grass very fine and let it drop back into the lawn. This helps nourish and thicken the lawn but can also act to spread weeds. You may want to use a weed killer alongside your robot lawnmower is weeds are an issue for you.
More Robotic Lawnmowers Reviewed
GARDENA SILENO City 300: Robotic Mower
Brand: Gardena
Pros
- Sensor Cut System
- Corridorcut
- Weatherproof
- Can handle 35% gradient
Cons
- Quite heavy
The Gardena Sileno robotic mower is a really great option for small and complex lawns. It has Corridorcut technology that allows it to navigate narrow pathways and dead ends with ease due to its swivelling rear design.
Senorcut means that the mower moves in different directions to ensure an even finish and no untidy tracks are left behind. This leaves a very even finish.
The mower is weatherproof so rain won’t slow it down and it can be easily cleaned with a hosepipe to remove dirt and debris.
The clear and easy to read LCD display allows really quick and simple programming so you can take full control of it.
It is heavy duty and can handle rough terrain and slopes up to 35%. At a weight of 14.7kg, it’s pretty heavy so some people may struggle to lift it.
Ambrogio Robot AM030B0F8Z
Brand: Ambrogio
Pros
- Up to 500 sq meters
- Bluetooth and smartphone app
- Lithium-ion battery
- Can manage 45% slopes
Cons
- Only 30 minutes of cutting time
This smart little robot can handle medium sized gardens and 45% slopes with ease. The lithium batteries and brushless motor are quiet to run and allow this lightweight lawnmower to manoeuvre complex lawns.
It has its own smartphone app so you can easily program, update and keep an eye on it and it’s also pin protected so if stolen it cannot be used. The mower is fully rainproof and has a sensor to ensure it won’t cut a wet lawn.
It has a 25cm 4 point star blade that mulches clippings and the height is adjustable between 25-60mm so it will get a perfect finish all year round.
This mower doesn’t last for ages when charged and only manages 0.5 hours of cutting time. For larger lawns, it will take a long time to finish the job.
Robomow RX12U
Brand: Robomow
Pros
- Rain sensor
- Childproof
- Eco mode
- Edges mode
Cons
- Can only cover up to 150m2 and 15% slope
- Not very good programming
This compact little mower is a sleek and attractive design. It has an 18cm cutting width and adjustable cutting height to get your lawn looking spick and span. It can cover two zones so good if you have more than one lawn.
The rain sensor keeps this mower from hacking away at wet grass and the edges mode means you’ll get a clean finish even without using a trimmer.
If you have young children then this mower is a safe option as it has a childproof function and it has a PIN code to protect it from thieves.
It doesn’t have advanced programming like some of the other models and is lacking a bit in features. It’s pretty basic by design so not ideal if you’re after a bit more from your mower. It can only cover a small area and not much of an incline so carefully consider the size of your garden before choosing this mower.
Stihl Robot Lawnmower
Brand: Stihl
Pros
- Up to 800 sq meters
- Rain sensor
- Can manage 35% slopes
- Mulching blade
Cons
- No smart connectivity
Up next we have Sthil iMow. This mower is a better option for larger lawns as it can manage a working area of up to 800 square metres. It can also handle sloped lawns up to 35%.
It has a sturdy, 20 cm steel blade that allows this mower to mulch the grass cuttings so there’s no raking needed afterwards.
The mower has integrated sensors that help it avoid obstacles and it can sense when it’s raining and will automatically return to the charging station.
It has an interactive mowing schedule so you can tell it when to mow and it has an adjustable cutting height between 20-60mm.
The downsides of this mower are that it doesn’t come with smart connectivity and it does have a tendency to struggle on wet grass.
Mcculloch ROB 1000 Robotic Lawn Mower
Brand: Mcculloch
Pros
- Up to 400 sq meters
- Tilt sensor
- PIN protected
- Weatherproof
Cons
- Only manages slopes up to 25%
For bigger lawns, ROB by Mcculloch has got your back. Despite the 17cm cutting width, this powerful mower can handle lawns up to 400m2. It’s fully weatherproof so won’t get damaged in the rain.
The mower has a tilt and lift sensor which automatically turns off the blades to prevent injury. It’s also pin protected and has an alarm so you’ll know straight away if someone tries to steal it.
It’s fully programmable so you can set it to mow the lawn whenever suits you and this model is quiet enough that it can work at night without disturbing you. The robot has anti-collision sensors so it can easily avoid solid objects and uses the perimeter wire to keep it on track.
The only downside to this mower is that it can’t handle a steep garden with more than a 25% slope.
Conclusion
Robot lawnmowers are time-saving and reliable gardeners. They can be a pain to set up but once you’ve installed the guidewires and docking station they can be left to their own devices. There’s a huge variety of options available and it’s important to choose one that is suitable for your garden. If well looked after and not damaged these mowers can last a long time so defiantly worth considering if you hate cutting the grass.
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