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Robot mowers function much like robot vacuums. They have sensors to navigate obstacles and stay within boundaries while cutting grass and a companion control app. Unlike a vacuum, robot lawn mowers can use a physical boundary such as a buried wire along a perimeter like the Husqvarna 430X. The bots can also use a combination of GPS and LiDAR navigation aided by a satellite antenna to mow within a specified area autonomously like the Mammotion Luba 2 and the newer Segway Navimow X3.
Robot mowers are also battery-powered, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional gas-powered lawn mowers. All these features can make it hard to choose, but I broke down how the best ones compare. Here’s what you need to know.
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 2025
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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’s it 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.
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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: $2,100-$4,100, depending on acreage | 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
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Why we like it: Robot mowers are usually meant for small- and medium-sized lawns, but the Husqvarna 430X can handle up to almost a full acre. The 9.5-inch cutting deck features three blades that mulch clippings into ultra-fine pieces to re-feed your yard between fertilizer applications.
ZDNET’s Beth Mauder tested the Husqvarna 430X for a year on her one-acre yard and said in her review that she was “thoroughly impressed… We never once had to manually mow our lawn this past year.”
Who’s it for: The large rear wheels enable the mower to handle up to 24-degree inclines. The spot-mow feature lets you quickly tackle small areas the 430X may have missed or may be growing faster than other sections of your lawn, while the spiral-mow mode provides a consistent cutting pattern. The Husqvarna 430X has a built-in alarm to alert you to would-be thieves that can only be disabled with a personalized PIN, with GPS theft tracking to boot.
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Husqvarna also offers interchangeable top covers to make it easier to see where your 430X is in your yard or to match the rest of your lawn and garden equipment.
Who should look elsewhere: If you don’t want to bury a boundary wire, the Husqvarna 430X isn’t a great choice. There are many other options without a boundary wire available, from GPS mowers like the Luba 2 to sensor-based mowers like the Eufy E15. If your yard is larger than 0.8 acres, you should also consider a model with a higher capacity, as it would likely take this robot lawn mower too long to get through it.
Husqvarna is set to release its brand new iQ series, which includes the flagship Automower 435 iQ, an AWD robot mower that I’m currently testing.
Husqvarna 430X Features: Price: $2,500 | Cutting width: 9.45 inches | Maximum cutting area: 0.8 acres | Maximum slope: 24 degrees | Connectivity: Bluetooth, cellular | Anti-theft: Alarm, PIN code, GPS theft tracking
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Why we like it: Since robot mowers are a relatively new technology, they can be quite expensive. Fortunately, the Mowro RM24 is one of the more affordable options on the market, with a price tag that sits comfortably under $450.
The 9.5-inch cutting deck and 28V battery allow the RM24A to mow yards up to a quarter acre, while the large rear wheels help it tackle steeper hills and inclines. The brushless motor is quieter than gas mowers and many other battery-powered mowers, so you can relax while the RM24A mows your lawn.
Who it’s for: This MowRo is built to tackle smaller yards of less than 0.25 acres. It automatically mows every two days, programmed through a built-in timer, to maintain a consistent cut across your lawn. The RM24 robot mower includes 330 feet of perimeter wire and 150 boundary wire stakes, with extension kits available, so it’s best suited for those willing to install boundary wire.
It even has rain sensors that tell the mower when it’s time to return to the docking station when storms roll in.
Who should look elsewhere: The MowRow isn’t a good fit for large yards, so I’d skip it for yards over 0.3 acres. It also mows the lawn in random cutting patterns until it covers the intended area, so if you prefer neat lines on your grass, you should consider a smarter robot like the Eufy E15.
MowRo RM24 Features: Price: $350 | Cutting width: 9.5 inches | Maximum cutting area: 0.25 acres | Maximum slope: 26 degrees | Connectivity: Built-in programming | Anti-theft: None
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Why we like it: The Eufy E15 offers one of the simplest setups from a robot mower becuause it doesn’t require boundary wires or antennas. Instead, it uses sensors, cameras, and AI to navigate, just like a robot vacuum. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and has multiple customizable mowing options on the Eufy app, including path direction, mowing schedule, and grass height.
Who it’s for: Those with small- to medium-sized, mostly flat, fenced-in yards would benefit from offloading the lawnmowing task onto the Eufy E15. This robot navigates like a robot vacuum, requiring well-defined areas to avoid running over your garden beds. This robot lawn mower can detect mulch, gravel, dirt, holes, cement, and other types of terrain and automatically set them as no-go zones. It can also detect obstacles like trees, bushes, pets, and more.
Who should look elsewhere? In my case, my yard has a lot of uneven terrain, and my garden beds aren’t well defined, so the Eufy E15 struggled more than others to mow it entirely. The mower may stumble on steep slopes and dips, and the lack of physical boundaries makes it risky for it to wander off your property. Thankfully, you can define virtual boundaries on the app.
Eufy E15 Features: Price: $1,800 | Cutting width: 8 inches | Maximum cutting area: 0.2 acres | Maximum slope: 18 degrees | Connectivity: Bluetooth, cellular | Anti-theft: GPS tracking, 4G, alarm, notification
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Why we like it: With an almost 10-inch cutting width, the Automower EPOS can mow in various patterns, including neat rows or a crisscross design. With this machine, you don’t have to sacrifice your lawn style for simplicity.
Everything is controlled through an app, delivering a hands-free experience. Once you set a schedule for your robot mower, you’ll forget it even exists. At night, you can rest assured that the Automower has an anti-theft alarm that is only disabled with the PIN you create.
Who’s it for: The Husqvarna Automower Exact Positioning Operating System (EPOS) offers satellite connectivity, straying from traditional boundary wire installations. This is perfect for users who prefer a noninvasive installation. Using a reference station like the Mammotion Luba 2, the EPOS machine doesn’t need wires laid to know where to mow and where its charging station is located. Instead, it uses an EPOS to do all of that.
The map is adjustable and easily adapted to include landscaping changes as your lawn evolves.
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Who should look elsewhere: Anyone looking for a budget-friendly robot mower, should probably look elsewhere. ZDNET’s Beth Mauder tested the 2.5-acre model, saying “The cost might seem steep up front, but it will pay off in the end. As someone who invests heavily in items and services that buy back my time, this automower is no exception. My husband and I both have gotten our weekends back — another hour or two every week we can spend making memories rather than being stuck working.”
Husqvarna Automower EPOS features: Price: $3,300-$5,900 | Cutting width: 9.5 inches | Maximum cutting area: 1.25-2.5 acre models | Maximum slope: 45 degrees | Connectivity: Bluetooth, cellular, Wi-Fi | Anti-theft: Alarm, PIN code, GPS theft tracking
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What are the tariffs in the U.S.?
The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know
Consumers may also experience notable price increases on robot vacuums and smart home products like robot mowers. Manufacturers are exploring options such as relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such transitions are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for robot vacuums due to these trade policies.
Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it’s always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.
Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech – but not for long
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, how accurate it is at mowing within the mapped area, its theft tracking measures, and its all-wheel-drive (AWD) capacity that 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 | Price | Cutting height | Coverage area | Max slope | Navigation |
| Mammotion Luba 2 | Best robot mower overall | $1,599 | 1-2.7″ & 2.2-4″ | 0.25-2.5 acres | 38 degrees | GPS |
| Husqvarna 430X | Best wired boundary | $2,500 | 0.8-2.4″ | 0.8 acres | 24 degrees | Wire boundary |
| MowRo RM24 | Best for a budget | $399 | 0.8-2.4″ | 0.15 acres | 26 degrees | Wire boundary |
| Eufy E15 | Best for fenced-in yards | $1,800 | 0.9-2.9″ | 0.2 acres | 18 degrees | V-FSD sensors |
| Husqvarna 450XH EPOS | Best for large yards | $5,900 | 2-3.6″ | 2.5 acres | 24 degrees | GPS |
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. |
| Husqvarna 430X | An excellent robot mower with a wire boundary installation, especially if you don’t want to risk your mower stepping out of your property line. |
| MowRo RM24 | Are willing to forgo some smart features in favor of an affordable robot mower option that retails for $350, which is about the same as a self-propelled push mower. |
| Eufy E15 | Precise mowing for your mostly flat, fenced-in yard without boundary wires or antennas. |
| Husqvarna 450XH EPOS | 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. |
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.
Here’s what to consider:
- 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 & 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other robot mowers worth considering
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