The 10 best robot lawnmowers

Buying guide

Finding the right robot lawnmower can be challenging due to the wide range of models with varying features and prices available in the market. To make the best choice, keep reading to learn about the factors to consider when selecting your robot lawnmower.

Working area

The recommended lawn size for a robot lawnmower is an important factor.

Different robot lawnmowers are designed for specific lawn sizes. Therefore, choose a model that can effectively mow an area approximately the size of your lawn.

Robot lawnmowers designed for large working areas typically have larger dimensions, wider cutting widths, more powerful batteries, and higher costs than models suitable for smaller working areas.

The following chart shows the distribution of recommended lawn size for the robot lawnmowers represented in our comparison.

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Robot lawnmowers

Here are 3 robot lawnmowers with the largest recommended lawn area:

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Robot lawnmower
Lawn size

Here are 3 robot lawnmowers with the smallest lawn area:

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Robot lawnmower
Lawn size

Price

The prices of robot lawnmowers vary greatly depending on various factors, such as brand, features, cutting capacity, and technology.

The price of robot lawnmowers ranges from 399 € to 2499 €. The cheapest model is the Einhell QB1.

In addition to the purchase price, you should consider ongoing costs such as battery replacement (typically after 2-4 years) and replacing cutting blades (every 1-6 months).

This chart compares the prices of robot lawnmowers suitable for small, medium-sized, and large gardens.

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Robot lawnmowers for small lawns
Robot lawnmowers for medium-sized lawns
Robot lawnmowers for large lawns

Here are 5 of the cheapest robot lawnmowers:

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Robot lawnmower
Price

You can find the best cost-effective robot lawnmowers here.

How much does a robot lawnmower cost in electricity?

In general, robot lawnmowers are very cheap in terms of electricity usage. Electricity costs vary from model to model depending on power usage, which is affected by several factors such as garden size, power, etc.

Below, we have made a calculation that gives an insight into how much a robot lawnmower approximately costs in electricity annually:

Assuming the robot lawnmower has a motor power of 25 watts and runs 10 hours a day, it will use approximately 7.5 kWh per month. Based on an electricity price of 0.3 € per kWh, it will be 2.25 € per month.

If the robot runs for 7 months a year (April to October), it will be 52.5 kWh in total, corresponding to annual electricity costs of 15.75 €.

Incline

Different gardens have different height levels. Therefore, most robot lawnmowers can handle sloping terrain. Most robot lawnmowers can handle slopes with a maximum incline of 25% to 45%.

Choose a model with appropriate incline capabilities for your garden’s terrain.

The following displays the distribution of the maximum slope for robot lawnmowers.

Theft protection

If you are worried about the theft of your robot lawnmower, you should select a model with the appropriate security features. Here are some features typically found to protect against theft:

• PIN code: Many robot lawnmowers allow you to set a PIN code to activate or use the unit. A PIN code prevents unauthorized use or access to the robot lawnmower.
• Theft alarm: Some robot lawnmowers have a theft alarm that is triggered if the unit is lifted from the ground or moved without permission. The alarm can be a loud sound or a warning sent to your smartphone via the app.
• GPS tracking: Some models have built-in GPS tracking that allows you to track the location of the robot lawnmower in real-time. GPS tracking features make it easier to find and retrieve your robot lawnmower if it is stolen.

Sensors

Robot lawnmowers have various sensors that increase safety for the surroundings and itself. Consider which are necessary for you.
These are the most common types of sensors:

• Collision sensors: These sensors detect obstacles along the robot lawnmower’s path and steer it around them to avoid collisions and disruptions of the mowing process.
• Incline sensors: These sensors detect when the robot lawnmower reaches an incline exceeding its maximum permitted level, which can prevent damage or uneven mowing.
• Rain sensor: When rain is detected, the robot lawnmower stops its operation to avoid damage.
• Frost sensor: When frost is detected, the robot lawnmower automatically stops mowing to avoid damage to the lawn and to preserve itself. The frost sensor feature is crucial for preventing damage to the blades and motor in cold weather conditions.

Navigation

Robot lawnmowers use different types of navigation:

• Perimeter wire: The most common navigation method involves the use of a perimeter wire, which is laid along the edge of your lawn to define the working area. The robot lawnmower follows this cable and restricts its mowing to this area. You can find the best robot lawnmowers without a perimeter wire here.
• GPS navigation: Some advanced robot lawnmowers use GPS navigation to map and navigate around the garden. GPS navigation technology allows for more accurate control of the robot lawnmower and can be particularly useful on larger lawns. You can find the best robot lawnmowers with GPS navigation here.
• Camera navigation: Some robot lawnmowers use camera navigation to navigate around the garden and mow the grass. The camera detects the surroundings and helps the robot lawnmower avoid obstacles and mow efficiently.

Maintenance

Robot lawnmowers require minimal maintenance, but there are still essential upkeep tasks. Maintenance tasks include:

• Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the blades, wheels, and sensors. The ease of cleaning will vary from model to model.
• Cutting blades: Check and replace the blades as needed to ensure a clean and efficient cut.
• Battery: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding charging and maintenance of the battery to maximize battery life.

You can find more detailed information about this topic in our guide to maintaining robot lawnmowers.

Noise level

Consider the noise level, especially if you live in a densely populated area. Some robot lawnmowers operate quietly to minimize disturbance.

App control

Many robot lawnmowers can be connected to an app, enabling remote control from your smartphone or tablet. The app control feature enhances convenience by simplifying the setup process for the robot lawnmower.

These are the most common features provided by a robot lawnmower with app control:

• Remote control: You can start, stop, pause, and adjust the mowing program via the app.
• Scheduling mowing: You can create and customize mowing programs directly from the app. Remote app control allows you to schedule when and how often your robot lawnmower should mow the grass, and you can also adjust the mowing times according to your needs and preferences.
• Troubleshooting and maintenance: Some apps include troubleshooting and information about maintenance, giving you access to error codes and diagnostic tools. This option makes it easier to identify and resolve problems with your robot lawnmower.

Note that robot lawnmowers use different technologies to connect to the app. Some use Bluetooth connection, others require connection to your home network via Wi-Fi, while others use a 4G connection.