Mowing the lawn isn’t everyone’s favorite task – it’s time-consuming and repetitive, even if you have one of those riding mowers. So, it’s no surprise to see that robot lawn mowers are becoming a popular, must-have gardening tool!
Here are our reviews of the best robot lawn mowers on the market, as well as what to consider when buying one, whether or not it’s the right mower for you, and much more.
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Top Pick
Best Value
Premium Choice
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
1. Worx LANDROID WR155 1/2-Acre Cordless Robotic Mower | |||
2. GARDENA SILENO Minimo - Robotic Lawnmower | |||
3. Husqvarna Automower 430XH Robotic Lawn Mower | |||
4. Worx WR147 Landroid M 1/4 Acre Robotic Lawn Mower | |||
5. Husqvarna 115H Automower | |||
6. Stihl RMI 422 PC-L Connected iMow | |||
7. Honda Miimo HRM520 Robotic Mower | |||
8. MOWRO RM24 Robotic Lawn Mower | |||
9. Honda Miimo HRM310 Robotic Lawnmower | |||
10. Robomow RC306 Robotic Lawn Mower |
Best Robot Lawnmower Reviews
1. Worx LANDROID WR155 1/2-Acre Cordless Robotic Mower
Source: amazon.com
The Worx Landroid range is probably the best robot lawn mower range on the planet. Ever. They’re durable, powerful, efficient, effective and neat, and all come with different options for programming, plus the ability to lock them to you.
The ½ Acre cordless model is their most powerful, with a huge 20V battery that is charged for the automatic charging base when the mower finishes its cutting cycle.
Obviously, Worx is more expensive than other brands, but the Landroid is an incredibly well-designed lawn mower, giving results that are just as good, if not better than a push mower.
Pros
½ acre on a single charge
Automatic return
Easy to programme
Secure against theft (digitally locked to you)
App control
Automatically returns to base in wet weather to avoid damaging lawn
Cons
- Expensive
2. GARDENA SILENO Minimo - Robotic Lawnmower
Source: amazon.com
The Gardena Sileno is a really neat lawn mower for smaller gardens, so is ideally suited to the average suburban plot.
The programmable, and app-controlled system makes it really intuitive, and you can easily adjust the cutting height for slightly longer grass too, so it’s ideal for sports lawns, or for slightly longer, lush, green growth depending on how often you set it to cut.
It’s a fraction of the price of other models with the same capabilities, but that comes with one compromise: time. It takes around 75 minutes to fully charge and runs for 65 minutes depending on the turns, and complexity of the lawn.
So it’s only suitable for smaller gardens, but if you don’t need ¼ acre lawn cut every week, this would be a great choice and save you money along the way.
Pros
Fully automatic mower
Self-charging
App controlled
Easy set up
Affordable
Waterproof
Cons
Only suitable for small-average lawns (0.06 acres)
Mows in all weather conditions (can damage lawns)
3. Husqvarna Automower 430XH Robotic Lawn Mower
Source: amazon.com
I don't think there are many other robotic lawn mowers on the market that are capable of this scale of lawn management. Everyone’s familiar with Husqvarna tractors, and lawnmowers, but their latest addition to the range is this high powered robot lawn mower, capable of 0.8 acres with a run time of 145 minutes on a single charge.
Like all Husqvarna mowers this gives a really superior cut, with an adjustable height, but a higher cutting capability than most robot lawn mowers to give you a really lush green lawn if you prefer visuals to durability (and still the option of shorter durable lawns too).
Pros
0.8 acres on a single charge
Automatic return
Easy to programme
Secure against theft (digitally locked to you)
App control
Cons
Expensive
Works in all weather (cutting lawns when wet can damage them)
4. Worx WR147 Landroid M 1/4 Acre Robotic Lawn Mower
Source: amazon.com
If you’re on a slightly tighter budget than the more powerful Worx lawn mowers but still want the convenience of app control, digital security, and automatic cutting cycles, then the ¼ acre Worx Landroid is the best robot mower for you.
Robot lawn mowers were invented to bring about a new age of convenience in lawn care, but it wasn’t until recently that they became really clever and started having automatic cutting cycles installed, so you barely even have to do anything once you’ve set up the boundary and opened the box.
Worx are a great lawn care brand, and their power tools have grown in popularity in recent years, but the Landroid is their shining star right now, and seriously worth investing in.
Pros
¼ acre on a single charge
Automatic return
Easy to programme
Secure against theft (digitally locked to you)
App control
Automatically returns to base in wet weather to avoid damaging lawn
Cons
- Expensive
5. Husqvarna 115H Automower
Source: tractorsupply.com
For a fairly basic robot mower, without app control, or anti-theft measures, I was pleasantly surprised by the ability of Husqvarna’s budget robot mower to produce neat, crisp lawns without having to spend your life savings on a mower.
When it comes down to it, all that really matters with a lawn mower is whether it cuts well, and as long as you can programme them automatically, and you’re willing to take the risk of theft into account, this is one of the best you can buy.
At half the price of high-end models by the same manufacturer, you’re getting a really good lawn mower without the giant price tag just because it doesn’t have an app control feature.
Pros
0.4 acres on a single charge
Automatic return
Easy to programme
Easy height adjustment
Great value
Cons
Expensive
Works in all weather (cutting lawns when wet can damage them)
No app control
No anti-theft measures
6. Stihl RMI 422 PC-L Connected iMow
Source: stihlusa.com
Stihl’s iMOW is a fairly new entry into the robotic mower game, but it’s well priced, and fully automatic, so once you’ve set up your boundary wires you really can’t go wrong.
It’s automatically set to split the lawn area into smaller sections so it mows what it can each day on a single charge, then continues for larger lawns.
Typically, the Stihl iMOW 422 will manage lawns up to 0.4 acres over the course of a week, but can easily manage smaller lawns by cutting once a week on a single charge instead.
If you want a lawnmower from a household brand, whose name you trust, then this is definitely the mower for you, but be aware that Stihl are fairly new to the robotic mower game, so there aren’t many long-term reviews out there to go off.
Pros
Good value
Automatic charging
Can manage 0.4-acre spaces over the course of a week
Adjustable cutting height
Smart controlled
Cons
- Mows in rain, which can damage turf
7. Honda Miimo HRM520 Robotic Mower
Source: forgie.com
Good for medium to large lawns, the Honda robotic mower can cover up tot 0.75 acres of grass at slopes of up to 25 degrees.
It offers adjustable cutting heights from 08-2.4 inches, has quick turn technology for tight corners, and cleans up the edges of your lawn once a week for an exceptionally neat result.
It’s easy to set up, has a 2-year warranty and runs quietly, so it can work at night. With good security features including a PIN code and alarm, it’s a great option for most homeowners.
Pros
- Fine mulching capabilities
- Very quiet
- Lightweight
- Good security and safety features
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- No app control or connectivity
- Additional installation costs
- No rain sensor
8. MOWRO RM24 Robotic Lawn Mower
Source: Homedepot.com
If you have a small yard and a small budget, this is a great option. Well-built and pre-programmed to run every 2 days, it can handle lawns of up to ¼ acre.
Cutting height is adjustable between 1-2.5 inches, and it can manage slopes of up to 30 degrees, which is impressive. It’s a simple, but effective robot mower that has an in-built rain sensor that’s perfect for the set-and-forget homeowner.
Pros
- Once set up it will run automatically
- Good for sloped yards
- Quiet, brushless motor (65 decibels)
- Safe for pets and children
- Good value for money
- Easy to set up
Cons
- No connectivity or app
- Not good for large lawns
9. Honda Miimo HRM310 Robotic Lawnmower
Source: gardenmachinesltd.co.uk
The Honda Miimo is great for really small gardens, and while it is programmable for up to 0.6 acres, it will only cut 0.02 acres on a single charge.
Thankfully, that can be programmed so it can manage larger lawns over the course of a week, but it’s an inefficient model for the price.
The big benefit of the Honda Miimo is that it’s a great brand, and very well put together so it will last through any weather conditions, and it’s easier to find local dealers that can repair it if anything does go wrong. This potentially makes it a more sensible long-term investment.
Pros
Neat cutting
Easy to use
Automatic timer
Automatic return
Cons
Expensive
Short run time (30-40 mins)
Cuts 0.02 acres per charge
No app control
Mows in all weather conditions (can damage lawns)
10. Robomow RC306 Robotic Lawn Mower
Source: robotsworldwide.com
Robomow is capable of a 1/8 acre range, which is pretty good for a fairly well priced robotic lawn mower, but you’re paying for the brand here.
Robomower were one of the first robotic lawn mowers to emerge when these tools first came out, and they’ve lasted as a brand ever since, so it’s no surprise that this one has caught up to the latest trends and retained its quality.
For the price, I’d personally expect a longer run time and a larger lawn area per charge, but for an app-controlled, automatic lawn mower, this is a really great model.
The best thing about Robomower (not just this model, but all models) is that they create an incredibly fine mulch across the lawn which is barely noticeable, even after a few weeks without mowing.
Pros
Automatic charging
Can manage 1/8 acre spaces over the course of a week
Adjustable cutting height
Smart controlled
Cons
Mows in rain, which can damage turf
Expensive compared to similar models
Robot Lawn Mower Top Picks for 2023
Top Rated Robot Lawn Mower
Source: amazon.com
Worx have taken the robotic lawn mower game by storm lately, blowing every other brand out of the water with their Landroid series.
Worx LANDROID 1/2-Acre Cordless Robotic Mower is really well priced too, so you can get mowers capable of managing full ½ acre sites for the same price as some mowers that can barely manage ¼ acre.
Their smart sensors, automatic controls, and easy to set up security features mean they’re perfect for front gardens too, as anyone trying to steal them will quickly find out they’re locked to one user.
Most importantly, Worx Landroids make really neat cuts, and you’d be hard pushed to find a push mower that cuts neater lawns.
Best Value Robot Lawn Mower
Source: amazon.com
Gardena’s Sileno Minimo is a small robotic lawn mower designed specifically for small spaces. It’s less capable and less flashy than some of the bigger brands, but it’s more than capable of managing small gardens and costs less than half the price of even the next most expensive brand so is perfect for gardeners on a budget.
Without a doubt, the Gardena is the best robotic lawn mower for small gardens in 2023.
Premium Choice Robot Lawn Mower
Source: amazon.com
For gardeners with really large lawns to care for, the Husqvarna Automower 430XH is the only mower on the market that can handle 0.8 acres per week, or 0.03 acres on a single charge, with a run time per-charge of 145 minutes, which outperforms any other robotic lawn mower for acreage alone.
Husqvarna has always made great lawn care products, but this is in another league. The only downside is that for this sort of quality, you need to pay for it!
Robot Lawn Mower Buying Guide
What are Robot Lawn Mowers?
Source: Amazon
These are electric lawn mowers powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. They are fully automatic, and when the battery power runs low, they make their way back to the charging station on their own.
They run on very little electricity, emit no fumes and are very efficient, making them a great eco-friendly choice for maintaining your lawn.
You contain them to your lawn using a low-voltage wire that is set around the perimeter, and this will stop the mower from wandering off out of your property.
You can use this wire to cordon off other hazards like flower beds, patios, delicate shrubs, swimming pools and ponds.
These machines use sensor technology to detect obstacles in their path, stopping and changing direction when a tree or rock is ahead of them.
Robot Lawn Mower Benefits
Source: Amazon
- It saves time – A robot mower is one of the best smart gardening product today. You no longer have to allocate your morning to the time-consuming job of mowing the lawn yourself, which means you get your weekend back.
You can also schedule when your mower will work, so the grass gets cut while you’re at work and is ready to enjoy when you get home. - Your grass gets stronger – By cutting your grass regularly, it gets stronger and stronger. This will occur if you cut it at the right height, allowing healthy grass shoots to flourish while the weak ones are left behind. But, don’t worry, the robot lawn mower will do this for you.
- You avoid uneven growth – Robotic mowers work continuously, so your lawn is always trimmed to the right height and helps avoid uneven growth, which is one of the most common lawn problems.
Using an ordinary mower, you might trim the grass every one to two weeks, which means it gets long, leggy and overgrown before it is cut back severely, which can lead it to dying off or getting burned, especially in the growing season.
Continuous mowing each and every day means a healthier, thicker lawn and allow an even distribution of nutrients from the water and the sun.
- Easy to use – Robotic mowers are electric, using rechargeable battery packs to provide power. This means no maintenance, no need to fetch and store fuel and oil, and no costly services.
Some even have apps that you can use to control your lawn robot on your smartphone while you relax!
Daniel Clayton from Robot Mower Center says "Robot lawn mowers are the perfect match for those who live very busy lives, but at the same time, like to have a nice-looking house and yard. They will keep everything tidy all year round, without you having to move from the couch. " - Eco-friendly and quiet – Because they use electricity, they run very quietly and emit no fumes, so your neighbors and your environment will thank you.
- No grass clippings – Because the mower clips continuously, the clippings are so small that they drop down into the grass, supplying your lawn with nutritious mulch, keeping your lawn neat and solving the issue of dealing with grass clippings all at the same time.
- They help with faster grass recovery – It is common for a lawn to get pests, disease, and affected by hard weather. However, regular mowing will allow for the grass to recover faster.
- Say no to pests – Overgrown lawns are more prone to pests, such as weeds, rodents, and bugs. By mowing the lawn regularly with a robot lawn mower, pests can be deterred.
- Affordable – Robotic lawn mowers aren’t cheap to buy, but they are more affordable to run than gas lawn mowers over the long term. That’s because you don’t have to pay for fuel, servicing or maintenance.
How Do Robot Lawn Mowers Work?
From an automatic lawn mower to a robotic mower or a manual lawn mower, they all work similarly. Some are powered by gas, others by batteries (such as the robot lawn mowers), or electricity. A traditional lawn mower’s engine works similarly to that of a car.
A spinning blade is mounted on the bottom to cut the grass as you drive through your yard. Standard lawn mower models that you have probably seen have a rope you need to pull to get the engine started.
When pulled, it forces to suck in air and fuel. Through a carburetor, the right amount of air and fuel is mixed before entering the engine.
In the case of robot lawn mowers, they use rechargeable batteries, which is why they are eco-friendly. This starts their engines and allows the blades to spin and cut the grass.
Do Robot Lawn Mowers Really Work?
Source: Amazon
Yes! On an everyday, average or small-sized lawn, a robot lawn mower is very effective – even when it’s only used a few times a week. The tiny clippings provide mulch for your lawn and ensure your lawn is kept tidy and at the perfect height all the time.
However, if you have a very large property or very dense grass or weeds, we’d suggest you use a more powerful petrol mower to cut the lawn into shape, level and under control.
Once it’s established, your robot mower can take over for everyday trimming.
How Long Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Last?
This depends on the quality of the product you buy. However, most leading manufacturers agree that a robot lawn mower will last about 10 years – around the same amount of time as a gas or electric lawn mower.
Can I Use a Robotic Lawn Mower on Hills or Uneven Ground?
These mowers work best on flat, even surfaces, so it’s a good idea to prepare your lawn before you buy one. Most manufacturers say that their mowers will operate on slopes of up to 35%, or up to 15-20 degrees.
Why is a Robot Lawn Mower an Excellent Option for You?
As we just explained, a robot lawn mower will give you many benefits. Yes, you can have the same benefits from using a traditional model, but it will also give you a lot of work, especially if you want to trim it regularly.
Whether you are looking for a robot lawn mower for hills, a robot mower for large yards, or a commercial robotic lawn mower, these machines will deliver excellent results.
They produce a healthier, stronger, thicker, and better-looking lawn than conventional models. They can be programmed to work continuously, which would be hard to do if you had to do the mowing yourself.
For busy people or those who do not want to do this task, robot lawn mowers will take the stress off of their shoulders. They are also very easy-to-use by just pressing a few buttons.
Also, forget about finding a place to store the lawn mower. Robot models don’t take up much space. This also allows them to get to the smallest and more difficult spots around the yard.
Robot lawn mowers are safer than traditional mowers. They have sensors, alarms, and PINs that ensure they do not get stolen or harm anything on their way when working.
Yes, robotic lawn mowers are not cheap, but they will save you hundreds in fuel. Plus, they are friendlier to the environment. Finally, they leave no grass clippings, or they are so small that they drop to the soil, acting as nutrients to the rest of the grass.
What to Consider When Buying a Robot Lawn Mower
Source: Amazon
As with every gardening tool, there are several things to consider when choosing the best robotic lawn mower for your lawn.
- Lawn size and battery capacity – The larger your lawn, the more often your mower will have to charge before it can complete its job, so be sure to check the battery capacity and manufacturer recommendations regarding lawn size.
Entry-level machines are really only suited to smaller lawns, but there are more advanced robot lawn mowers for much larger lawns. - Lawn gradients – More powerful motors are needed for steeper gradients, and if you buy an underpowered robot lawn mower, it’s going to struggle to mow any slopes.
Here’s a guide on how to calculate the slope of your lawn so you can check the results against manufacturer recommendations. - Safety features – These mowers are designed to be very safe, and some great safety features to look for include lift and tilt sensors that stop the cutting action and recessed cutting blades. This makes them much more pet and child-safe.
- Controls – Look for mowers that have a control panel where you can adjust everything from cutting height and cutting schedule.
Another great feature is Wi-Fi capability, which allows you to control the mower through a smartphone app. Weather sensors are another great addition, preventing the mower from cutting grass in wet or rainy weather. - Weather protection – Because they work automatically, it’s important that they have good weather and dust protection. However, it is usually a good idea to store it in a shed or garage during severe storms, snow or freezing conditions.
- Security – To keep your mower secure, stop unauthorized people from changing the settings or prevent it from getting lost or stolen, choose one with good security features.
This includes PIN code locks, alarms and GPS tracker functions.
Source: Amazon
Install the Best Robot Lawn Mower
Make your weekends yours again with a feature-rich, powerful robotic lawn mower that takes this time-consuming chore off your hands for good.
Eco-friendly, quiet and fully automatic, these compact machines are the perfect choice for small to medium sized lawns.
When buying a robot lawn mower, remember that you may have to prepare your lawn by reducing bumps and ditches the mower can get stuck in.
Look for a machine that is built for your size lawn and gradient, that has safety features and anti-collision control, and offers custom settings that you can input via the control panel or an app.
Get ready to enjoy mowing the lawn again when you have the best robot lawn mower!