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Robot mowers are battery-powered, autonomous lawn mowers, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional gas-powered models. Much like robot vacuums, robot lawn mowers autonomously navigate around the ground, cutting grass as they go. They use sensors to navigate and stay within boundaries while mowing, as well as a companion control app.
Unlike newer vacuums, robot lawn mowers can use a physical boundary, such as a buried wire along the perimeter, as with the Husqvarna 430X. The bots can also use a combination of GPS and LiDAR navigation, aided by a satellite antenna, to mow autonomously within a specified area, like the Mammotion Luba 2 and the newer Segway Navimow X3.
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What is the best robot mower right now?
After testing some of the top robot lawn 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. Luba 2's GPS navigation system is so accurate that I fully trust it to mow my unfenced property line without burying boundary wires. This isn't the only option for buyers. Read on to find ZDNET's top robot mower picks and check back regularly to see new additions.
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The best robot mowers of 2026
Why we like it: I've been using the Mammotion Luba 2 3000 consistently for a year and love the freedom it's given me. It's the best GPS-powered mower I've tested -- so accurate to its map that it mows precisely along my property line in my front, back, and side yards each time. It's also the one I've found to deliver the most in-app features.
Who it's for: The Mammotion Luba 2 is perfect for small and medium-sized yards, regardless of whether they have challenging terrain, a fence, or obstacles. It has proven so accurate and reliable that I can easily send it out to mow my uneven, 0.3-acre yard and return to see a beautifully checkered lawn upon my return. The Mammotion app lets you adjust mowing height and pattern, map out perimeters, and set up separate coverage areas. The robot mower's wide cutting width of 15.7 inches makes it more efficient than other models.
Review: This robot mower looks like a racecar, but it mows a gorgeous lawn
The coolest thing about the Luba 2 is that there's a model for everyone. Ranging from a 0.25-acre capacity variant available for $2,100 to a 2.5-acre model for $4,100, you're not stuck paying a high-end price to mow a small yard.
Who should look elsewhere: Though the Mammotion Luba 2 is perfect for almost any yard, buyers with over 2.5 acres of mowing area should look elsewhere. As its highest capacity is 2.5 acres, the Luba 2 would likely take days to cover such a large yard.
Mammotion Luba 2 Features: Price: Starts at $2,000 | Cutting width: 15.7 inches | Maximum cutting area: 0.25- to 2.5-acre models | Maximum slope: 38 degrees | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G | Anti-theft: Alarm, 4G, GPS theft tracking
Why we like it: The Yardcare E400 is built for small to medium lawns, capable of tackling around 4,300 sq ft (0.1 acre) a day, which is about the size of most suburban yards. The robot itself is small enough to be tucked into the side of your home without being an eyesore -- I put mine in a garden bed by an outlet. As small and affordable as it is, it's also smart and hard-working. This robot has adjustable cutting heights from 0.8 to 2.4 inches, with remote scheduling through the mobile app, and rain detection so it can return to its base.
Who it's for: At under $500, the Yardcare E400 is a great robot lawn mower for buyers on a tight budget and those with smaller yards. This robot is also quiet enough to run during the early morning hours without disturbing your neighbors, making it suitable for near-daily use.
Who should look elsewhere: This Yardcare robot mower is a basic unit, with no bells and whistles or the steep price tag that comes with them. It uses boundary wires for installation, not RTK-GPS navigation, making it best suited for yards that don't have multiple zones that require more advanced mapping. Anyone with a large yard, multiple zones, slopes, or uneven terrain would do best to choose a different mower.
Yardcare E400 Features: Price: $340 | Cutting width: 7.87 inches | Maximum cutting area: 0.1 acres | Maximum slope: N/A | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G | Anti-theft: None
Why we like it: The newer Husqvarna 410 iQ is perfect for those looking to have the most control over every single aspect of their mower's performance. This mower is extremely precise in its mapping, offers a wide cutting height range from one to four inches, and it can handle 45% slopes.
Who it's for: This robot mower is built for people looking to invest in a long-term solution. It's durable, precise, and has multiple anti-theft features, so it'll be the only robot mower you'll buy for years to come. It has some of the best mapping capabilities I've seen, but you can also add boundary wire for even more precision.
Who should look elsewhere: While this is one of the best mowers I've had at my house, it's not for everyone. Homes with a small yard or even a simple, fenced-in yard with no slopes or zones likely won't need all the features packed into the Husqvarna iQ series.
Husqvarna iQ Series Features: Price: Starts at $2,600 | Cutting width: 9.4 inches | Maximum cutting area: 0.5- to 2-acre models | Maximum slope: 24 degrees | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Cellular | Anti-theft: Alarm, PIN code, Cellular, GPS theft tracking
Why we like it: The Goat A3000 LiDAR offers one of the simplest setups for a robot mower because it doesn't require boundary wires or antennas. Instead, it uses sensors, cameras, and AI to navigate, much like a robot vacuum. It's lightweight and easy to clean, so you can easily tilt it back and hose it down when needed. It also gets within one centimeter of the edge of grassy areas, so it doesn't leave bushy edges behind like other robot mowers.
Who it's for: Those with medium or large fenced-in yards would benefit from offloading the lawnmowing task onto the Goat A3000 LiDAR. This robot navigates like a robot vacuum, requiring well-defined areas to avoid running over your garden beds. Thanks to a dual-LiDAR navigation system that includes a 360-degree LiDAR module, this robot lawn mower can detect different types of terrain so it can avoid them during navigation.
Who should look elsewhere? The Goat A3000 LiDAR may struggle more than others to mow around garden beds that are not well defined, as it relies on visuals to navigate, not a preset map. The lack of physical boundaries makes it risky for it to wander off your property and onto adjacent lawns, which is why I recommend it for fenced-in yards. Thankfully, you can define virtual boundaries on the app.
Goat A3000 LiDAR Price: $3,000 | Cutting width: 12.99 inches | Maximum cutting area: 0.75 acres | Maximum slope: 27 degrees | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Anti-theft: N/A
Why we like it: I set up the Segway Navimow X350 in my backyard a couple of months ago, and it's run like clockwork every other day since. This is one of the best robot mowers available right now and one of the most reliable ones I've ever tested. It uses EFLS 3.0 navigation technology, which combines RTK GPS, vSLAM, and VIO to maneuver around obstacles.
Who it's for: The Navimow X3 Series has a range of models, depending on acreage capacity, from 0.4 to 2.5 acres. It can also handle uneven terrain and slopes of up to 27 degrees. The X3 Series is perfect for anyone looking to set up a mower and forget about it. I love that my yard is always mowed, but I truly only remember the Navimow X350 when I happen to see it in action.
Who should look elsewhere: My biggest complaint with the Segway Navimow X3 Series is that the edge trimmer attachment isn't available yet. Aside from that, I'd recommend steering clear of the X3 Series for anyone with a small lawn that is best suited for more compact models, yards with dense trees that might interfere with the GPS signal, or those looking for a more affordable robot.
Segway Navimow X3 Series Features: Price: Starts at $2,800 | Cutting width: 9.3 inches | Maximum cutting area: 0.5-2.5-acre models | Maximum slope: 27 degrees | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G | Anti-theft: Alarm, GPS tracking
What is the best robot mower?
Based on ZDNET's hands-on testing, the best robot mower is the Mammotion Luba 2, thanks to its excellent ability to mow small and large yards, its accuracy at mowing within the mapped area, its theft-tracking measures, and its all-wheel-drive (AWD) capacity, which enables it to navigate slopes of up to 38 degrees.
But this doesn't make the Luba 2 the best option for anyone looking for a robot mower. Here's how our top picks stack up:
| Best robot mower | ZDNET's take | Starting price | Cutting height | Coverage area | Max slope | Navigation |
| Mammotion Luba 2 | Best robot mower overall | $1,998 | 1-2.7" & 2.2-4" | 0.25-2.5 acres | 38 degrees | RTK GPS |
| Yardcare E400 | Best for a budget | $340 | 0.8-2.4" | 0.1 acres | Not specified | Wired boundary |
| Husqvarna iQ Series | Best premium mower | $2,600 | 1-4" | 0.5-2 acres | 24 degrees | RTK GPS - Optional wired |
| Goat A3000 LiDAR | Best for fenced-in yards | $3,000 | 1.2-3.6" | 0.75 acres | 27 degrees | LiDAR |
| Segway Navimow X3 Series | Best for complex yards | $2,799 | 2-4" | 0.5-2.5 acres | 27 degrees | RTK GPS |
Which is the right robot mower for you?
When you've finalized a budget for a new robot mower, double-check your lot's size to narrow your search further. Different models have different runtimes, cutting deck widths, and varying amounts of included guidewires. You'll have to thoroughly compare each model you're interested in to find the best match for your lawn.
| Choose this robot mower... | If you want... |
| Mammotion Luba 2 | A reliable mower for your uneven yard. Accurate enough to mow without straying, the Luba 2 also features AWD. |
| Yardcare E400 | Are willing to forgo some features in favor of an affordable robot mower option that retails for $380, which is about the same as a self-propelled push mower. |
| Husqvarna iQ Series | An excellent robot mower with precise navigation and an optional wire boundary installation. |
| Goat A3000 LiDAR | Precise mowing for your fenced-in yard without boundary wires or antennas. |
| Segway Navimow X3 Series | 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. |
Factors to consider when choosing a robot mower
Several factors should be considered when choosing a robot mower. These will help you narrow down your choices and ensure you're investing in a worthwhile one.
- 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. Different variations are available, so you don't end up paying too much for a higher capacity if you have a small lawn or buying one that needs to recharge multiple times to finish just one side of your yard. Consider your acreage before settling on a model and choose a robot mower capable of covering it.
- Obstacles: A robot mower's navigation, like a robot vacuum, is governed by the sensors and cameras it has to avoid getting too close to obstacles. Some robot mowers don't do well if you have unfenced garden beds or pools, or they may require wires along each obstacle to keep it safe, which you should factor into the initial expense.
- Terrain: Your yard's terrain should also be considered when shopping for a robot mower, especially if it has many slopes. If applicable, choose a mower to tackle your yard's incline since many struggle on uneven ground.
- Perimeter and installation: Robot mowers have different navigation types, including GPS and perimeter limitations. If you're okay installing a boundary wire and don't want mapping issues, you're likely better off with a wired installation. GPS installations are far easier, less time-consuming, and won't break your back or the bank, but they can be less reliable than boundary wire.
- Cutting height: It's not bad to be picky about your lawn; robot mower manufacturers know this. Many homeowners prefer a high cutting height, while others mow as low as it will get them more time between cuttings. The grass type can also be finicky with different cutting heights, so choosing a robot with an appropriate cutting height range and preference for your grass is important.
- 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. In contrast, a larger cutting width reduces the time it takes to mow large areas.
- Maintenance: Consider how important upkeep is to you and how much time you will dedicate. Most robot mowers feature small blades that spin rapidly to cut grass, but they become dull much quicker than standard blades, requiring replacement every month. They also require periodic cleaning to maintain efficiency, especially when the yard is muddy.
How we test robot mowers
To determine the best robot mowers, ZDNET did hands-on testing and research into the top models on the market and considered all the factors before making a purchase.
Here's what we evaluate when testing robot mowers:
- Maximum capacity: Robot mowers run on an integrated, rechargeable battery. This means that they may be best suited for lawns of a certain size. Make sure to double-check your robot mower's intended yard size before purchasing.
- Lawn complexity navigation: You should consider your terrain and lawn shape, including the number of obstacles and slopes. This will determine whether you can choose a simple model or one with better maneuverability.
- Cutting width: Due to their construction, robot mowers have much smaller cutting decks than their riding and even push mower counterparts. However, some models have 18- or 20-inch cutting decks, making them efficient choices for larger suburban lawns.
- 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. We considered what you get for the price tag and included a budget option.
FAQs on robot mowers
What is a robot mower?
A robot mower is an autonomous lawn mower that can cut grass and navigate yards with minimal human intervention. Robot mowers typically navigate over a designated area using a combination of sensors, cameras, boundary wires, and GPS to mow efficiently.
How do you prevent a robot mower from being stolen?
Some of the most advanced robot mowers on the market include built-in security feature. These can include 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.
Though many robot mowers feature a slew of anti-theft measures, these sometimes aren't enough to appease owners, especially after making such a big investment on a device that sits outside. Owners can take some measures into their own hands to protect their robot mowers, like:
- Place the charging station in a discreet area that is out of sight of public areas.
- Anchor the station to the ground or to a fixed structure.
- Use security cameras to surveil the area around your robot mower and charging station. Visible security cameras can deter would-be intruders.
How often should I run my robot mower?
Robot mowers run more often than traditional lawn mowers, depending on the grass growth rate, desired lawn appearance, and seasonal changes. Robot mowers have an array of small blades that mulch grass clippings into small pieces that can return to the soil to fertilize it as it decomposes since they don't pick up grass clippings in their wake.
They're still capable of maintaining a manicured lawn, but they may require running a couple of times a week rather than once a week. My robot mowers typically run on a schedule, so I don't have to worry and can always walk out to a checkered or striped lawn.
Do robot mowers run on hills?
If you have hilly terrain, check how the robot mower you're interested in can handle slopes and uneven areas before purchasing it. 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. Most models can manage between 20% and 80% slopes, considering that a 100% slope is a 45-degree incline; this translates into 11-38 degrees.