Mowing the lawn is a tedious and time-consuming chore, but with a robot lawn mower, it doesn't have to be. We've been reviewing robot lawn mowers for nearly a decade, so we know what to look for when purchasing one. The best robot lawn mower for you will depend on the size of your lawn and whether you have steep grades or obstructions, such as flower beds and trees. Most models have rechargeable battery packs and quiet electric motors, and many are compatible with a companion app on your phone. Our favorite is the Segway Navimow X390, which is pricey but can cover up to 2.5 acres in a day and features high-end amenities such as rain sensors, an anti-theft mechanism, and 4G connectivity for precise navigation. It isn't the only model we recommend, however, and our list covers a range of budgets and use cases.
Overview
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![Segway Navimow X390]()
Best for Large LawnsSegway Navimow X390
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![Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD]()
Best for HillsHusqvarna Automower 435X AWD
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![Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E18]()
Easiest to UseEufy Robot Lawn Mower E18
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![Greenworks Pro Optimow 50H Robotic Lawn Mower]()
Best Balance of Price and FeaturesGreenworks Pro Optimow 50H Robotic Lawn Mower
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![Mowrator S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD]()
Best for Complex TerrainMowrator S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD
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![Ecovacs Goat A3000]()
Best for Medium-Sized LawnsEcovacs Goat A3000
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![Gardena Robotic Mower Sileno City]()
Most AffordableGardena Robotic Mower Sileno City
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Segway Navimow X390]()
Best for Large LawnsSegway Navimow X390
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Thanks to a huge battery and speedy navigation, the Segway Navimow X390 can handle an incredible 2.5 acres in a day. It features 4G cellular connectivity and uses an RTK antenna to achieve centimeter-level accuracy. It's fast, efficient, and quiet, but it's also extremely expensive. Nonetheless, it's the best robot lawn mower money can buy.
Who It's For
Large lawns: If you have a lot of space to cover, the Navimow X390 is the mower to cover it. Its 2.5-acre coverage range is by far the largest of any mower on this list, which helps justify it also having the highest price.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Theft Connectivity Bluetooth Connectivity GPS Connectivity Wi-Fi Cutting Time 240 Cutting Width 9.3 Lawn Coverage 2.5 Mobile App Rain Sensor Remote Steering Sound Level 60 Learn More Segway Navimow X390 Review -
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![Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD]()
Best for HillsHusqvarna Automower 435X AWD
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD is expensive, but it's incredibly advanced and is well-suited for navigating uneven terrain. It features all-wheel drive, a pivoting rear end, an ultra-quiet battery-powered motor, and automatic docking and charging support. With integrated Bluetooth, cellular, and GPS technologies, it works seamlessly with an excellent companion app that makes programming easy, and it supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. Because it's five years old, you can regularly find it for a fraction of its $5,199.99 launch price.
Who It's For
Hilly lawns: If your lawn isn't perfectly flat, the Automower 435X AWD can handle it with ease. It can tackle inclines of up to 35 degrees, making it one of the best mowers for lawns with steep slopes. Its coverage area is also fairly large at 0.9 acres.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Theft Connectivity Bluetooth Connectivity Cellular Connectivity GPS Cutting Time 100 Cutting Width 8.7 Lawn Coverage 0.9 Mobile App Rain Sensor Remote Steering Sound Level 62 Learn More Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD Review -
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Credit: Tyler Hayes
![Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E18]()
Easiest to UseEufy Robot Lawn Mower E18
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Eufy E18 doesn't require boundary wires, making it easier to use than models that do. It will map your lawn, and you can create mowing schedules in its app so your yard is always freshly trimmed. This model operates safely and quietly, mows as well as a human, and will automatically return to its dock when it's done.
Who It's For
People who prioritize ease of use: If you want a robot lawn mower you can set up without a lot of hassle, the Eufy E18 should be at the top of your list. It's basically plug-and-play, and simple to get going without needing to run wires along the edges of your lawn.
Anyone who wants peace and quiet: A boon for anyone who doesn't want to hear the mower running outside, the Eufy E18 operates at only 56 decibels of sound. That makes it the quietest mower on this list, and one of only two to put out less than 60dB.
Small, well-defined lawns: The Eufy E18 is recommended for lawns up to 0.3 acres (about 13,000 square feet) with a maximum slope of 40% (18 degrees). It can mow for 90 to 110 minutes and cover about 1,076 to 1,614 square feet (or 100 to 150 square meters) on a single charge. If it doesn’t have enough battery to complete your entire cutting area, the mower will automatically return to its dock and then resume after about 90 minutes of charging.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Theft Connectivity GPS Connectivity Wi-Fi Cutting Time 110 Cutting Width 8 Lawn Coverage 0.3 Mobile App Rain Sensor Remote Steering Sound Level 56 Learn More Eufy Robot Lawn Mower E18 Review -
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![Greenworks Pro Optimow 50H Robotic Lawn Mower]()
Best Balance of Price and FeaturesGreenworks Pro Optimow 50H Robotic Lawn Mower
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Greenworks Optimow 50H Robotic Lawn Mower is quiet, fairly easy to install, and delivers outstanding cutting performance. It's also affordable compared with other robotic lawn mowers, and its rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 150 minutes of cutting time on a charge. As a drawback, it relies on cellular connectivity and requires a paid subscription after the first two years. It also lacks some features found in more expensive options, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Who It's For
Value shoppers: The Optimow 50H is the second-cheapest mower on this list, and the least expensive that can cover a half acre. Be aware that it's cellular-only, though, and doesn't have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or onboard controls. Getting the Optimow 50H up and running for the first time isn’t difficult, but plan on spending an hour or more laying boundary wire in your yard and hammering in plastic spikes to keep the wire in place.
Specs & Configurations
Anti-Theft Connectivity Cellular Connectivity GPS Cutting Time 150 Cutting Width 8.7 Lawn Coverage 0.5 Mobile App Rain Sensor Sound Level 60 -
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Credit: Mowrator
![Mowrator S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD]()
Best for Complex TerrainMowrator S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If your lawn has difficult-to-reach spots, rough terrain, or steep grades, the battery-powered, remote-controlled Mowrator S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD does an excellent job. It functions like an RC car, but you don’t get any smart features like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can’t control the S1 with an app or create work schedules.
Who It's For
DIYers: If you prefer a more hands-on approach to lawn mowing, have a challenging landscape, or you're a remote control car fan, the Mowrator S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD is a top pick. It performs especially well on rough or steep terrain where a regular mower might be difficult to use and treacherous.
Large, uneven lawns: This mower features four-wheel drive, enabling it to traverse rough terrain and climb slopes with inclines of up to 75% (or 37 degrees). Designed for large yards, it can cover 1.12 acres on a charge. Note that a two-wheel drive version is also available, but it can't handle slopes as steep as the 4WD model.
Specs & Configurations
Cutting Time 135 Cutting Width 21 Lawn Coverage 0.5 Remote Steering Sound Level 63 -
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![Ecovacs Goat A3000]()
Best for Medium-Sized LawnsEcovacs Goat A3000
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Ecovacs Goat A3000 is pricey, but it uses dual LiDAR sensors for wire-free yard mapping, navigation, and object avoidance. It also automatically returns to its included charging dock to stay powered up. It's extremely speedy and can mow for up to 118 minutes on a single charge.
Who It's For
Medium-sized lawns: If your lawn is 0.75 acres (32,670 square feet) or less, without overly challenging terrain or steep hills, the Ecovacs Goat A3000 is a good choice. The 5,000mAh battery provides up to 118 minutes of continuous mowing time on a single charge, and at its fastest speed, the Goat A3000 can mow up to 4,305 square feet per hour. It can handle hills with a 50% (27-degree) slope.
Convenience seekers: This robot lawn mower relies on a dual-LiDAR navigation system and conveniently doesn't require any RTK antennas or boundary wires.
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity Bluetooth Connectivity Wi-Fi Cutting Time 118 Cutting Width 12.99 Lawn Coverage 0.75 Mobile App Rain Sensor Remote Steering Sound Level 62 Learn More Ecovacs Goat A3000 Review -
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![Gardena Robotic Mower Sileno City]()
Most AffordableGardena Robotic Mower Sileno City
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Although it may not have the most comprehensive set of features or the largest coverage area, the Gardena Robotic Mower Sileno City is one of the most affordable robotic mowers on the market. Powered by a whisper-quiet motor, it cuts well and offers scheduling via Bluetooth and an accompanying app.
Who It's For
Tiny lawns: If your yard is really small (2,700 square feet or less), this is the best value. It's the only mower on this list available for less than $1,000, and it works well. Its 0.06-acre coverage area is microscopic compared with other models, though.
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity Bluetooth Cutting Time 65 Cutting Width 6.3 Lawn Coverage 0.06 Mobile App Sound Level 57 Learn More Gardena Robotic Mower Sileno City Review -
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4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
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3.5 Good |
3.5 Good |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best for Large Lawns | Best for Hills | Easiest to Use | Best Balance of Price and Features | Best for Complex Terrain | Best for Medium-Sized Lawns | Most Affordable | Best for Large Lawns | Best for Hills | Easiest to Use |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS | Bluetooth, Cellular, GPS | Wi-Fi, GPS | Cellular, GPS | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS | Bluetooth, Cellular, GPS | Wi-Fi, GPS | |
Cutting Time | 240 | 100 | 110 | 150 | 135 | 118 | 65 | 240 | 100 | 110 |
Lawn Coverage | 2.5 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.75 | 0.06 | 2.5 | 0.9 | 0.3 |
Sound Level | 60 | 62 | 56 | 60 | 63 | 62 | 57 | 60 | 62 | 56 |
Cutting Width | 9.3 | 8.7 | 8 | 8.7 | 21 | 12.99 | 6.3 | 9.3 | 8.7 | 8 |
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Buying Guide: The Best Robot Lawn Mowers for 2026
How Do Robot Lawn Mowers Work?
Robot lawn mowers resemble robot vacuums. In action, it's almost like watching a Roomba darting around your lawn, tidying things up. When it comes to what's inside, however, things couldn't be more different.
Some robot mowers still rely on a perimeter wire to prevent them from wandering off your lawn or into the street, but many newer models have done away with wires in favor of LiDAR sensors, cameras, and/or satellite-positioning technology.
If you do opt for a traditional model, one end of the perimeter wire connects to a terminal on an AC-powered base station, and you lay the rest of it along the border of your lawn with stakes. Then, you connect the wire to the second terminal on the base station. Aside from providing that wire with an electrical charge, the base also recharges the mower once it docks. Sensors on the mower guide the mower along the boundaries of your yard and help it navigate back to the base when the device completes a job or starts to run low on power.
Speaking of the battery, robotic mowers use a rechargeable pack (usually lithium-ion) that can last anywhere from 30 minutes for an entry-level model up to four or more hours for a high-end mower. Depending on the size of the mower and the battery capacity, expect charging times ranging from 30 minutes to two hours or more.
You typically handle programming via an onboard control panel with a power button and menus for setting seasonal timers, scheduling cutting times, creating zones, configuring edge-cutting settings, running diagnostics, and viewing the cutting history. Nearly all robotic mowers are quiet, operating within the 55dB to 65dB range; however, a few models produce up to 75dB of sound. Gas-powered mowers typically operate at a noise level between 85dB and 95dB. You can run the quieter mowers at night (some even have headlights), but it's probably best to run the louder models only during the daytime.
Consider Your Lawn Size and Cutting Deck
Before purchasing a robotic lawn mower, you first need to figure out the size of your lawn. Residential models typically have a working capacity ranging from 0.20 acres to 1.25 acres. A mower for larger lawns features a higher-capacity battery pack, enabling it to operate longer and travel farther between charges. The shape of your lawn also comes into play: If you have things like flower beds, trees, or fencing, the mower has to use more battery power to navigate these obstructions than if it were just cutting a rectangular or square plot.
The cutting deck refers to the area underneath the mower where the blades are located and spin. Most robotic mowers feature a floating deck design, allowing for quick adjustments to the cutting height and preventing the blade from scalping the grass in higher spots. Different mowers use different types of cutting blades. For example, some mowers employ a single spinning blade configuration, while others utilize multiple spinning blades or a spinning disc lined with multiple razors.
The mower's cutting width determines the width of the swath it cuts on a single pass. Models for smaller lawns may only have a 7-inch cutting width, while mowers for big lawns offer cutting widths of around two feet. All robotic mowers cut the grass into a fine, almost sawdust-like state that works its way into the soil as mulch, fertilizing your lawn. Equally important, there's no bagging involved.
How Much Does a Robot Lawn Mower Cost?
Robotic lawn mowers aren't cheap, but, in most cases, light-duty mowers are significantly more affordable than their heavy-duty counterparts. Whatever you do, make sure you buy a mower that can handle your lawn. Most vendors offer online calculators to help you select the right model for your needs, and many can also send a representative to your location for a site assessment. Expect to pay anywhere from $600 or more for a bare-bones model to more than $5,000 for a mower with the longest operating time and latest features. Dealers that require professional installation may add hundreds of dollars to the total cost.
Once you have narrowed your choices based on lawn complexity and working capacity, it's time to consider the features. Look for a mower with flexible programming options that allow you to create schedules for multiple zones. For example, if you have a large lawn, you might want to split it into multiple zones and set the mower to concentrate on specific zones on specific days. With multi-zone schedules, the mower travels directly to the specified area before cutting, which saves battery life.
Most robotic mowers operate in rainy conditions, but that can get messy. Caked-up grass cuttings tend to stick to the deck, blades are likely to need frequent cleaning, and some mowers might struggle with wheel slippage. Look for a mower with a weather-sensing feature that automatically returns it to its base in the event of a heavy downpour.
If your lawn has many hills and slopes, you need something with large wheels that can navigate the changing landscape. Most mowers can handle slopes of up to 20 degrees, but some can handle slopes of up to 30 degrees. Husqvarna's 435X AWD can manage extreme slopes with an incline of up to 70%.
Some robotic mowers allow you to adjust the cutting height using a dial on the mower, while others enable this adjustment electronically at the control panel or via a mobile app. Although all mowers use advanced algorithms to ensure total lawn coverage, some models also utilize GPS technology that tells the mower where it's been and where it needs to go. Some robotic mowers offer built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular circuitry, allowing you to program and control the mower using a mobile app and track mowing progress from anywhere.
A few models even allow you to use your phone as a remote control to guide the mower to specific areas for spot maintenance. Other features to look for include a dedicated remote, a spare set of cutting blades, and an anti-theft system that locks operations behind a PIN when the device is picked up. Some mowers also feature an audible alarm and utilize GPS tracking to help locate them if lost or stolen.
Should You Install a Robot Lawn Mower by Yourself or Hire a Professional?
Installing a robotic lawn mower can be tedious depending on the size of your lawn, but it's not very difficult. Nearly all vendors offer online video tutorials and supply written instructions, a measuring tool for laying the wire, a spool of wire, and stakes to hold the wire in place. Count on spending anywhere from an hour or more (depending on the size and complexity of your lawn) on your knees laying wire. Wire-free models can save you from that manual labor, but some setup requirements make them less practical for certain yards.
A handful of robotic lawn mower manufacturers handle the installation for you, but others require you to contract a certified dealer. For the latter case, be prepared to spend a bit of money, so be sure to obtain a quote up front.
Once you install and program your mower, however, all you have to do is keep its cutting deck clean and change its blades periodically.
For more on how to automate the rest of your home, check out the best smart home devices we've tested and the best outdoor smart home devices for your yard. Own a pool? We also have a roundup of the top pool cleaners.