Find the best robot mower for a more beautiful lawn!
Robot lawn mowers have become a common household item all over the world. After all, mowing the lawn is a chore that many people don’t enjoy doing in their garden. So, it would be perfect if the lawn could simply be mowed by a robot mower. A fully automated lawn maintenance solution!
Robotic lawn mowers take care of all lawn care tasks, whether it’s in the spring or summer, completely autonomously, saving hours of work!
But which model is the best for your lawn size? How do you find a good robot mower? We will answer all these questions and more in our ultimate guide and robot mower comparison! First, we will address general questions about robot lawn mowers, then introduce the most important components, such as the boundary wire, and finally take a closer look at the current best-selling robot lawn mower models.
It quickly becomes apparent which model is suitable for whom – mostly, it’s about the lawn area size that the robot lawn mower can handle. In general, you shouldn’t underestimate the size of the lawn area because a robotic lawn mower that is suitable for larger areas can handle the same area faster and more reliably than a model that is just designed for the size of your lawn area.
This way, mowing times are shorter and more efficient overall, and the robot lawn mower isn’t constantly working at its limit. We wish you success in choosing the right robotic mower and a lot of fun letting it do the work for you!
Robot Lawn Mower – The Leading Robotic Mower Comparison
Want to see our top models at a glance? Simply choose your lawn size, and you’ll have the best robot mowers for your garden!
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| Model | Worx Landroid S (WR165) | Gardena Sileno minimo | Bosch Indego S 500 | Worx Landroid M (WR147) |
| Price | 594,00 $ incl. VAT | 602,32 $ incl. VAT | 635,66 £ incl. VAT | 1.498,00 $ incl. VAT |
| Max. Mowing Area | 1/16 ac (300 m²) | 0.06 ac (250 m²) | 0.12 ac (500 m²) | 1/8 ac (500 m²) |
| Maximum Slope | 35% | 25% | 27% | 35% |
| Battery Life | 60min | 70min | 60min | 60min |
| Tilt/Shock Sensor | ||||
| Rain Sensor | ||||
| Loudness | 65db | 57db | 63db | 67db |
| Price | 594,00 $ incl. VAT | 602,32 $ incl. VAT | 635,66 £ incl. VAT | 1.498,00 $ incl. VAT |
| More InfosCheck Offer* | More InfosCheck Offer* | More InfosCheck Offer* | More InfosCheck Offer* |
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| Model | Gardena Sileno Life | Worx Landroid M1000 (M WR143E) |
| Price | 680,83 $ incl. VAT | 999,00 $ incl. VAT |
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| Max. Mowing Area | 0.19 ac (750 m²) | 0.25 ac (1000 m²) |
| Maximum Slope | 30% | 35% |
| Battery Life | 60min | 120min |
| Tilt/Shock Sensor | ||
| Rain Sensor | ||
| Loudness | 57db | - |
| Price | 680,83 $ incl. VAT | 999,00 $ incl. VAT |
| More InfosCheck Offer* | More InfosCheck Offer* |
Robotic Lawn Mower Manufacturers
Bosch Gardena Husqvarna Robomow WorxThe price-performance winner for small areas up to 300 sqm:
The best robot lawn mower for areas up to 500 sqm:
The best robotic lawn mower for large areas:
Robot Lawn Mower – The Ultimate Guide 2024
Bosch Indego S+ 400
Robot lawn mowers are suitable for almost any lawn size! If you don’t have the time or desire to maintain your lawn, you should definitely consider purchasing a robot mower. But are there reliable test reports from independent sources? Especially the German “Stiftung Warentest” has already conducted several robotic lawn mower tests: we will take a closer look at how the individual robot lawn mowers performed in the test what technical advances have been made since then and whether this robot mower test is still relevant today.
Which robot mowers are the best?
The best robot mowers of 2024 – Top 5 best-selling Robot Lawn Mowers:
- 1. Gardena Sileno minimo | from $690
- 2. Worx Landroid S300 | from $550
- 3. Bosch Indego S+ 500 | from $760
- 4. Worx Landroid M500 | from $630
- 5. Gardena Sileno City 250 | from $450
If you can no longer mow the lawn for physical reasons or suffer from back problems, or if you simply want to avoid the hassle of disposing of the grass afterward, then a robot lawn mower (also known as an automatic lawn mower or remote control lawn mower) is the right choice for you!
Robotic lawn mowers are also a true relief for allergy sufferers. Finally, no more watery eyes or runny noses during pollen season!
Once you have overcome the high purchase costs, the robot mower saves you not only a lot of time, but also money!
The advantages and disadvantages of robot mowers
The advantages
- Enormous time savings & significantly quieter
- Improved lawn quality through mulching
- No need for grass clippings disposal
- The robot mower can mow when you want it to
- Significantly lower operating costs than gasoline lawn mowers
- Hardly any maintenance required
- Anti-theft function and sensors for protection
- Self-charging – completely autonomous
- Often controllable via smartphone app
The disadvantages
- High purchase costs (between 400 and 3000 dollars)
- Additional work may be required along the edge of the lawn
- Some models: danger to animals if not used with caution
Check robot mower comparison
How does a robotic lawn mower work?
Mowing randomly or in parallel tracks
Source: Gardena
Robotic lawn mowers ensure that your grass stays short. But that’s the only thing these little helpers have in common with conventional lawn mowers. Robot mowers mostly work according to the so-called random principle. They move randomly, without any system, through the garden until all the lawn is mowed. Even if you may think that this is totally inefficient: the random principle results in a well-balanced cutting pattern without tire tracks!
Automatic lawn mowers from Gardena, Husqvarna and Robomow work according to this principle. Bosch, on the other hand, has tried a different system with the “LogiCut system” as the only well-known manufacturer. With the LogiCut system, the robotic mower mows in straight lines. You can learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this system in the manufacturer archive linked above!
Robot mowers travel over the lawn at programmed intervals, e.g. every 2 days, and keep it consistently short. A robot lawn mower doesn’t just mow when the grass gets too high – in fact, the grass shouldn’t be too high, as it will just lie on the ground and not decompose properly.
You can easily set when the robot lawn mower should start and how often it should mow during the week. This works simply with a time schedule.
The remote control lawn mower drives randomly in any direction – so it naturally collides with objects. This is detected by the collision sensor, and the robot mower continues to drive in a different direction. You can use the boundary wire to avoid obstacles such as trees.
Mulching Mowing
The second major difference from traditional lawn mowers is mulching mowing or the mulch principle. Unlike a catcher that collects the mowed grass, the robot lawn mower simply leaves the grass on the ground. With some fresh grass, this accelerates grass growth after over seeding. The remaining fine cutting residues rot over time and provide long-lasting nutrients to fertilize the lawn.
The benefits of mulching mowing:
- Cut grass serves as a natural fertilizer.
- Moss recedes, and the lawn looks healthier.
- The lawn quality improves, and the grass grows denser.
- The grass does not need to be disposed of or composted.
The grass should not be too high because the long cutting residues will not rot properly. We therefore recommend that you use a conventional lawn mower to shorten the grass before using the robot lawn mower for the first time.
How the Robot Lawn Mower Gets Power
Robot lawn mowers usually have an electric motor that is powered by a battery. As a result, a robotic lawn mower is hardly audible during operation. Depending on the model and lawn size, the battery lasts for varying lengths of time. A robot lawn mower for a small garden doesn’t have to mow continuously for as long as a model for a football field.
When the battery charge is insufficient, the lawn mower automatically drives to a charging station that was previously installed and connected to the power grid. The robot lawn mower then gets the required energy and resumes mowing automatically. To find the charging station, the robot mower usually navigates along the boundary wire. For large areas, a guide cable is often installed as an additional aid, which is placed in the furthest corner of the garden so that the robot lawn mower can still find its way back from there.
When the robot lawn mower has finished mowing, it also drives back to the charging station, where it then rests until it has to start mowing again after the programmed mowing time.
There are several things to consider when choosing the location of the charging station. For example, there must be enough space to maneuver to the left and right.
What does a remote control lawn mower do in winter?
During the cold season, it is advisable to remove the remote control lawn mower from the lawn. This time can be used to prepare the mower for the upcoming season and give it a thorough cleaning.
In addition, it is recommended to charge the battery fully at least once during winter, so that the battery performance is maintained.
The Robot Lawn Mower Boundary Wire
Now, let’s show the robot lawn mower its limits! Robot mowers can only operate in a defined mowing area, which is marked off with a boundary wire.
The boundary wire or perimeter wire is a current-carrying cable that is detected by the lawn mower robot through induction and is laid on the lawn. Alternatively, the boundary wire can also be buried a few centimeters underground, for which a cable laying machine is recommended but not necessarily essential.
If you would rather not install the robotic lawn mower yourself, you can also obtain a non-binding offer from a professional installation service:
» Request installation offer now
Source: YouTube – Husqvarna
The principle of induction is currently mainly known in the field of smartphones – in this case, the robot mower detects the respective mowing area through electromagnetic waves emanating from the boundary wire. In the future, the actual charging of the robotic lawn mower could also be implemented by induction to avoid corrosion damage to the contacts and better protect them against moisture – but now back to the boundary wire.
When encountering obstacles such as trees or bushes, it is advisable to exclude them with a perimeter wire to prevent collisions. Otherwise, you should also place the boundary wire around ponds or similar hazards to prevent the robotic lawn mower from driving into them.
A sufficient distance should be maintained from walls or other obstacles. For this purpose, an optional distance sensor is available to prevent damage to the housing. You can find the distances in the operating instructions.
In addition to defining the mowing area, the perimeter wire, as mentioned earlier, also serves to send the robot mower back to the charging station.
Depending on the size of your lawn, you will need a different length of boundary wire. These are usually included in the delivery. Please read carefully whether a boundary wire is part of the delivery. If not, you can find the appropriate wire for your model here.
Robotic Lawn Mower Sensors
A robot lawn mower has a variety of sensors that enable safe and reliable operation.
Robot mowers are equipped with sensors such as distance and collision sensors or weather sensors and adjust their mowing behavior based on the received information.
When encountering obstacles, a lawn mower robot will either reverse or bypass the obstacle. In general, almost all models have the same sensors.
Only the rain sensor is missing in some models, as these can also mow in the rain. A rain sensor is not necessarily an advantage, as one might initially think, as it means that this model cannot mow in the rain. Some models without rain sensors can easily mow in light rain, such as the models from Husqvarna or Gardena.
The new, smart generation of robot lawn mowers
Since 2023, a fresh wave of advanced robot lawn mowers has been making its way into the market, which can operate without the need for perimeter wires and are equipped with camera technology and artificial intelligence. Previous wire-free models relied on lawn sensors that often didn’t function reliably. Obstacles could only be detected through collision sensors. That’s changing now: with modern sensors, improved GPS systems, and the aforementioned camera technology, the new robot mowers work smarter and can recognize obstacles much better.
In addition to several start-ups, established manufacturers like Worx and Husqvarna also offer such models. Some models can even detect a garden hose as an obstacle and reliably navigate around it, despite its low height and similar color to the grass itself. Moreover, these smart robotic lawn mowers often come with additional features that go well beyond the basic task of mowing the lawn. Some models can function as garden guardians, keeping an eye on the overall state of the garden, while others serve as leaf collectors or spray fertilizers. There are even models designed to interact and play with children. We’re excited to see what the future holds and will certainly keep you informed.
» Check out the latest smart models without perimeter wire
Robotic Lawn Mower Safety: Are Children and Pets Safe?
Gardena Sileno Life: Highly sensitive collision sensor & optimized front for enhanced safety
Robotic lawn mowers provide a lot of safety through a variety of sensors and functions. A lift sensor prevents body parts from being injured when lifting the remote lawn mower, as the blades automatically stop. So, theoretically, children and pets are sufficiently protected.
The automatic lawn mower is equipped with a collision sensor and immediately detects a collision and changes its driving direction.
As the robot mower test by German “Stiftung Warentest” shows, however, some models do not provide adequate protection. Children’s shoes were not detected by all lawn mower robots and were simply run over. If you have young children, it is best to avoid models that performed poorly in the robotic lawn mower test by “Stiftung Warentest”. It is always important to keep an eye on children and pets. However, the speed of mowing is also important to prevent working until late in the evening and to protect nocturnal animals – especially the Stihl robot mower models perform well in this regard.
It is also advisable to use the timer function. The remote control lawn mower then stops working during the specified time and remains in the charging station. This allows you to let children play in peace and consider nocturnal animals, such as hedgehogs.
Furthermore, almost all remote control lawn mowers have anti-theft protection through a PIN. When the robot mower is lifted, the blades stop, and you must enter the security code (PIN) before the next use. If this is not done within a certain time frame (e.g. 10 seconds), an alarm sounds that not only deters the potential thief but also alerts people around.
Top 5: The Robot Lawnmower Bestsellers
Top 5: The Robot Lawnmower BestsellersAlthough robot lawnmowers are still seen in relatively few gardens, the range of available models is already large. It is difficult to keep track of them and find the right device for your garden.
Our comparison and recommendations offer important guidance. But a look at the most popular robotic lawn mowers may be an interesting help for some when making a purchase decision. Therefore, we present below five of the most popular and frequently sold robot mowers from the bestseller charts.
Here is an overview of the robot lawn mower bestsellers:
- Gardena Sileno City
- Bosch Indego S+ 350
- Worx Landroid M WR142E & WR143E
- Gardena R40Li
- Worx Landroid SO500i
1st Place: Gardena Sileno City
When it comes to the garden, Gardena is a real household name. There are probably few households with a garden that don’t have gardening tools with the typical turquoise-orange color combination. In the field of automatic lawn mowing aids, the company, which belongs to the Husqvarna Group, has a lot to offer. There are many series of robot mowers to choose from.
The Gardena Sileno City robot lawn mowers could be understood as the “entry-level models”, especially in terms of the recommended lawn size. Furthermore, the Gardena Sileno City models are the entry point into Gardena’s robotic lawn mower portfolio in terms of price.
Overview of Features
The Sileno City robotic lawn mower is available in two versions: the Gardena Sileno City 250 for lawns up to 250 sqm and the Gardena Sileno City 500 for lawns up to 500 sqm. This results in a price difference of 200 euros. Otherwise, the remote control lawn mowers are more or less identical, which is why we won’t differentiate between them much further.
The fact that the Gardena Sileno City is intended for small (urban) gardens is already evident from the cutting width. It is relatively small at 16 cm. The cutting height can be adjusted between 20 and 50 mm, ensuring a consistently short lawn. The cutting mechanism consists of a cutter disc with three blades that can be replaced when worn.
Thanks to its compact size and swiveling rear wheel, it is particularly agile and can also handle narrow corridors (with a passage width of at least 60 cm). The Spot Cutting function is practical, allowing for spiral mowing, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as under trampolines or garden furniture, ensuring a short lawn. Its low noise level of only 58 dB is also noteworthy. This is not only quieter than many other robotic lawn mowers, but also ideal for the city, where living space is often tight with many neighbors around.
During mowing, the Gardena Sileno City robotic lawn mower can handle maximum slopes of 25 percent and automatically returns to the charging station when the battery is empty. It features a collision sensor, an inclination sensor, and a lift sensor that immediately stops the motor when lifted. The Sileno City does not have an alarm in case of theft, but can be protected by a PIN code. It can be set to work either via the LCD display with the menu or by programming the desired mowing times.
Both the model for 250 sqm and the model for 500 sqm are also available in a Smart edition. For an additional cost of 100 euros, the Gardena Smart-Home-Central is included. It allows for control via the Gardena smartphone app, popular voice assistants Alexa and Google Assistant, and the automation platform IFTTT, providing another plus of usefulness. In addition, the Gardena Smart Home system can also integrate and control garden watering, outdoor sockets, and more.
Speaking of water, according to the manufacturer’s specifications, this robotic lawn mower can also be used in the rain. It can be easily cleaned with a garden hose. However, if the device detects temperatures close to freezing, it suspends the automatic mowing plan to protect the lawn. The SensorControl function, which automatically adjusts the mowing frequency to the grass growth, is not available in the Sileno City model. This feature is only found in the top model, Sileno+, for lawns up to 1,300 sqm.
Who is the Gardena Sileno City suitable for?
As hinted at before and as the name suggests, Gardena primarily envisions the Gardena Sileno City for use in urban areas where gardens tend to be relatively small due to the high cost of real estate. This robot lawn mower from Gardena reliably and effortlessly mows lawns up to 250 sqm in size (Sileno City 250) or 500 sqm (Sileno City 500). However, it is not limited to use in city gardens only; it can also keep lawns meticulously mowed on suitable green spaces in rural areas.
What accessories does the Gardena Sileno City offer?
The accessories included with both Gardena Sileno City robotic lawn mowers are quite typical. The boundary wire, which is 150 m long, is mandatory and must be installed according to the enclosed instructions using the 200 hooks, connectors, and connection clamps before the first “ride.” It is also necessary to find a place for the charging station. In addition, the Smart models come with the aforementioned Smart Home Gateway.
Of course, there are many other optional accessories available for purchase. In addition to various spare parts (e.g., battery and cutting disc), there are also various accessories available. A suitable robot lawn mower garage is available for the Sileno City 250 or 500 to provide a dry shelter. The available wall mount is practical for space-saving storage during the cold months. Before storage, the maintenance, and cleaning set is useful for cleaning. If necessary, Gardena also sells extensions for the boundary wire and the corresponding hooks separately.
2nd Place: Bosch Indego S+ 350
Alongside Gardena, Bosch is another major player in the garden tool industry vying for the favor of robot lawn mower buyers. The company offers various models, all of which are named Indego. The Bosch Indego S+ 350 is found towards the lower end of the range, providing an entry point into the subject even for Bosch.
Overview of Features
The Bosch Indego S+ 350 is also a smart representative of its kind. It is the smart version of the Indego 350 and is designed for lawns up to 350 sqm. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is just under 1,100 euros, although the device is already significantly cheaper.
The fact that the Bosch Indego S+ 350 is more suitable for smaller gardens is also evident in its cutting width, which is 19 cm. The cutting height can be adjusted between 30 and 50 mm, but only in three stages. Other manufacturers offer more options for adjusting the cutting height to suit personal preferences. The three cutting blades of the cutting system are used for mowing and should be regularly replaced when dull.
In terms of navigation, the Indego S+ 350 robotic lawn mower from Bosch offers a particular feature. While most other competitors drive chaotically around the garden and turn when encountering obstacles before moving onto the next section, this device maps the garden with its LogiCut function. It then moves in parallel lanes through the garden, which is much more efficient than the approach of many competitors. Thanks to its artificial intelligence, it can navigate around obstacles. According to the manufacturer, it moves forward at a speed of 40 cm per second.
Another feature of this model is that it calculates the best mowing time based on garden size, personal preferences, and local weather forecast. It works particularly cleverly to efficiently mow small or medium-sized gardens up to 350 sqm. It is also capable of handling multiple areas (up to three lawn areas) and has an integrated mulching function for fertilizing the lawn.
Other equipment includes various sensors, a quick-stop feature when lifted, and a PIN code and alarm system for theft protection. It is operated via the control panel or through the native Bosch Smart Gardening smartphone app. It uses the mobile network for connectivity rather than Wi-Fi, and the associated costs are included in the price. It can even be commanded through the Alexa voice assistant.
The operating time with one battery charge is 45 minutes. When the battery is empty, the robotic lawn mower automatically returns to the charging station. The lithium-ion battery with 2.5 Ah and 18 V voltage is recharged within 45 minutes and is then ready to resume mowing if necessary.
For whom is the Bosch Indego S+ 350 suitable?
The Bosch Indego S+ 350 impresses above all with its smart and intelligent equipment. Therefore, it is the perfect choice for all potential buyers who want to own an efficient and networked robotic lawnmower. In addition, the size of the lawn should, of course, match the mower model, i.e., not exceed 350 sqm. However, it may be more demanding. Optionally, Bosch also offers models of the Indego S+ series for larger gardens.
What accessories does the Bosch Indego S+ 350 offer?
Bosch also offers plenty of accessories for the Indego S+ 350. Those who want to personalize their robotic lawnmower can do so thanks to the colorful covers. Because the upper cover can be easily removed and replaced with a different color. The covers are available in blue, dark gray, fuchsia, yellow/green, orange/yellow, and white. The Indego S+ 350 comes as standard in dark green.
Those who want to give their Indego S+ 350 robotic lawn mower a home can do so with the open garage, which is also available from Bosch. For winter, there is an optional storage cover. Bosch also offers the usual replacement blades and expansion options for installing the boundary cable as accessories.
The 100-meter-long boundary cable, along with the fixing hooks (140 pieces) and cable connectors, is included in the purchase. The supplied charging station serves as the base and must be connected to the mains with the power supply and anchored in the ground with four screws. Otherwise, it may happen that the 7.6 kg and 44 x 36 x 22 cm Bosch Indego S+ 350 gradually shifts its base.
3rd Place: Gardena R40Li
The Gardena R40Li is no longer the youngest device in Gardena’s stable. It was introduced back in 2016 and in this rapidly changing and constantly growing market, it’s almost a dinosaur. The R40Li has already been replaced by the Gardena robot mowers Sileno City & Sileno Life some time ago. But ultimately, that’s not so bad because even today it still does its job well. Prospective buyers of the Gardena R40Li only need to make a few compromises in terms of functionality.
Overview of Features
According to the manufacturer’s recommendation, the R40Li is suitable for lawn areas up to 400 sqm in size. Despite the manageable cutting width of 17 cm, the device is quite bulky at 58 x 46 x 25.5 cm. This also has a negative impact on the cutting performance along the lawn edges. Here, the Gardena Sileno City 500 is significantly more compact and therefore better with a comparable area recommendation.
The cutting length of the SensorCut system can be varied between 20 and 50 mm with the Gardena R40Li robot mower. When mowing, the robotic lawn mower moves chaotically, so it does not systematically cover the entire lawn. Obstacles are detected by the collision sensor, and the boundary wire, which must be installed beforehand, sets the outer boundaries. This is standard and still common today in many current models. So, the Gardena R40Li doesn’t really show its age in this respect.
It’s a different story with the smart features. Although mowing times can be programmed via the LCD display on the robot lawn mower itself so that it automatically does its job, starting with a button directly on the device is also possible. However, you will search in vain for smart features such as a Wi-Fi connection or smartphone app control. This automatic lawn mower robot also lacks functions such as EasyPassage for mastering narrow passages or cleaning with a garden hose compared to newer models from Gardena. But at least it works independently of the weather conditions.
On the positive side, the R40Li is quiet at 60 dB. It can handle inclines of up to 25 degrees, which is a solid or average value. The mowing time with one battery charge is up to 65 minutes. Thereafter, it automatically returns to the charging station via the guiding cable, where it is charged again within 60 minutes. The battery itself has values of 18 V and 2.1 Ah.
Who is the Gardena R40Li suitable for?
Since there are already successors to the R40Li with the Sileno models, this naturally affects the price. The robot mower is currently available for about half of its original MSRP in stores. Therefore, this model is well suited for those who don’t necessarily need the latest technology, but rather want to snag a bargain.
In addition to the R40Li for lawns up to 400 sqm, there is also the larger R70Li for up to 700 sqm. It is also important that the areas to be mowed are relatively simply structured and not too cluttered with too many obstacles or narrow passages. Otherwise, this robot lawn mower could quickly become overwhelmed or reach its limits, which could affect its thoroughness, among other things.
What accessories does the Gardena R40Li offer?
The delivery contents that you will find in the box along with the Gardena R40Li are standard. The charging station as well as boundary wire with 200 hooks, four connectors, and five connection clamps are absolutely necessary. If you have trouble with the 150 m long wire to surround your lawn, it can be optionally extended. In addition, three replacement blades, which you can of course also purchase as spare parts after they are used up, are included.
Just like with the other Gardena automatic mowers, there is also a garage as a shelter where it can wait for its next mission, protected from the elements. There is also a storage bag as well as a maintenance and cleaning set, as well as a range of other spare parts.
4th Place: Worx Landroid M WR142E & WR143E
Worx divides its Landroid models into the S, M, and L classes, with the primary differences being recommended lawn size and cutting width. For example, the Landroid M WR142E robot mower is ideal for lawns up to 700 sqm, while the slightly more expensive WR143E is recommended for lawns up to 1,000 sqm. Otherwise, there are no significant differences between the two models.
Overview of Features
The cutting width of the WR142E and WR143E is 18 cm, which allows them to cut nice wide strips as they navigate through your garden. This is done using boundary wire that you’ll need to install before the first mow. The robot is protected from theft by a PIN code.
A great feature of these models is the integrated artificial intelligence. With this, the robot gradually learns the environment in which it operates and can navigate around obstacles. Thanks to the Cut to Edge function, it mows the lawn to the edge, with adjustable cutting height between 30 and 60 mm.
It can climb inclines of up to 35 degrees, which is a remarkable value for a robot mower that should be sufficient for most properties – unless you live on a very steep slope. Additionally, thanks to the Worx AIA technology, it operates quickly and purposefully. According to the manufacturer, it’s faster than other comparable robot mowers, but that can only be proven by a direct comparison.
The Worx Landroid M WR142E and WR143E also have smart features. It can be connected to your home Wi-Fi, provided you have sufficient signal strength in your garden, and can be controlled through the Worx Landroid app. You can even control it using voice commands via popular voice assistants, Alexa and Google Assistant.
Alternatively, you can program it to operate regularly. It operates at a volume of 67 dB, making it one of the louder models on the market. The necessary energy for the brushless motor comes from a 20 V, 4,000 mAh lithium-ion battery that is recharged using the included charger. Since the in-house Worx PowerShare battery system is used, you can also swap the battery and use it in other devices.
For whom are the Worx Landroid M WR142E & WR143E suitable?
With their recommended areas of 700 to 1,000 sqm, the two Worx Landroid Mowers M WR142E and WR143E are ideal for larger gardens – the WR141E mower for up to 500 sqm. They offer many useful features and can also be expanded with attachments (see next section).
This way, you can configure or assemble a mower robot that is ideally tailored to your needs and your lawn area, and fully equipped is superior to many competitors. The two Worx Landroid Mowers usually manage even more difficult shaped properties effortlessly. Just don’t be too sensitive to noise, as this garden robot is louder than many competitors from Gardena and Co.
What accessories does the Worx Landroid M WR142E & WR143E offer?
Before we get into the really exciting things about this mower robot in terms of accessories, here is some information about the delivery contents. In addition to the robot itself, you will find nine blades and screws (spare blades are already included), the obligatory Li-ion battery, a charging station with power supply and fixing nails, as well as 150 m boundary wire including 210 pegs in the box. Additional pegs and more boundary wire can be purchased separately.
The special thing about the Worx Landroid M with the model numbers WR142E and WR143E is the modular expandability. Worx offers no less than five modules that can be attached to the mower robot. They extend the range of functions with various features. We will briefly introduce the available add-ons below.
ACS: The ACS (Anti-Collision System) gives Worx’s robotic lawn mowers a set of eyes. Not just technically, but also visually thanks to the two sensors mounted on top of the device. With ultrasound sensors and autopilot technology, the Worx Landroid M can detect obstacles and maneuver around them to prevent damage to both the lawn and the mower itself. This is particularly useful for trees and bushes on the lawn, children’s play equipment, and more, which do not need to be enclosed and secured with boundary wires thanks to ACS. This makes installation easier.
RadioLink: The two robotic lawn mowers Landroid M WR142E and WR143E can be connected to the home Wi-Fi network – as we mentioned earlier. However, if you have a problem with Wi-Fi reception in your own (spacious) garden, RadioLink is the right option. This small device ensures constant connectivity with a range of up to one kilometer. We think that very few of us have such a large garden, right?
Off Limits: This option offers you an easy way to fence off parts of the garden (e.g. around trees or children’s toys) without having to connect the areas to the main boundary wire. Two components make this possible: a sensor on board the lawn mower robot and a roll of digital fence tape to enclose the prohibited areas. This does not need to be connected to the perimeter wire and requires no power supply thanks to magnetic force.
Find My Landroid: Robotic lawn mowers are not cheap, and therefore also interesting for thieves. Find My Landroid equips your Landroid with a combination of GPS and mobile signal. Thanks to this mobile module, you can locate the device even without Wi-Fi or RadioLink – not only in the event of theft, but also if it gets lost on a particularly large property. In addition, you will be notified via the Landroid app when the mower leaves the geo-fence area. The mobile module uses 2G, NB-IoT, and Cat. M1 technologies that are specifically designed for IoT devices.
High-Frequency Alarm: Currently not available but already announced, the Worx High-Frequency Alarm will secure the device. Those who want to know when the product will be available can sign up to be notified by Worx.
Voice Control: Worx once offered the option of Voice Control for voice-controlled operation of the robotic lawn mower, but the information about it has disappeared from the manufacturer’s website. This proprietary solution is no longer necessary due to the relatively new support for the leading voice assistants, Alexa and Google Assistant.
In addition to these optional modules for expanding the functionality of the Landroid M robotic lawn mowers, Worx also offers a selection of “classic” accessories. These include Off-Road Wheels for improved grip on the lawn and difficult terrain, as well as the practical “Worx Cleaning Kit for Landroid robot mowers – WA0462” with various tools and aids for cleaning. Worx also sells the obligatory garage for the Landroid models and a storage bag for winter.
5th Place: Worx Landroid SO500i
The Worx Landroid SO500i (WR105SI) has been around for a few years now. It’s the predecessor to Worx’s current Landroid models. Despite its age, it’s not a bad robot lawn mower, especially considering its currently very affordable price. Below, we’ll go over the most important features of this “dinosaur” from Worx – a herbivore that keeps your lawn trimmed.
Overview of Features
According to the manufacturer, the Worx Landroid SO500i is suitable for lawns up to 500 square meters. That puts this auto lawn mower below the Worx Landroid M WR142E we reviewed earlier, but on par with the more expensive Gardena R40Li. Despite its age, the SO500i offers some features of the newer model, so the difference isn’t actually that big – but we’ll explain in more detail below.
Like the newer models, the SO500i robotic lawn mower mows with an 18 cm cutting width. Its cutting height is even larger, ranging from 20 to 60 mm. It can handle slopes up to 35 degrees, which is impressive. It mows up to two fingers’ width along lawn edges. When you press the Home button on the top of the mower, it uses its edge-cutting function to mow along the necessary boundary wire. Not many robot mowers offer this feature.
The AIA technology ensures reliable navigation, which is an improved version of the technology in the newer models. Practical features include the multi-zone programming, which allows you to divide your lawn into individual segments for more efficient mowing, and the forward and reverse rotation, which reduces blade wear by half. Worx also includes replacement blades.
You can send it to work with a push of a button, automatically through programmed timers with Keyless programming, or through the Landroid app for iOS (from iOS 10.x) and Android (KitKat 4.4) via Wi-Fi. If it starts to rain, it will stop its work and only continue when the grass is no longer wet.
Collision, lift, and tilt sensors, as well as blade stop when lifted, are all installed. It also has theft protection. When its work is done or its battery is low, it will automatically return to the charging station to recharge its 2,000 mAh lithium-ion battery at 20 V.
Now, it’s time to talk about the differences between the Worx Landroid SO500i and the newer Landroid M WR142E. The main differences are the modular options we discussed earlier, which allow you to expand the functions of the robot mower. This feature simply isn’t available on the SO500i, as it lacks the necessary connections. Additionally, its navigation isn’t quite as sophisticated as the newer models with AI.
Who is the Worx Landroid SO500i suitable for?
Those who can do without the modular options of the new Worx Landroid S to L get a solid predecessor with the Worx Landroid SO500i. It does not offer quite as many bells and whistles as its successor. However, as a discontinued model, it is a real bargain. You can hardly get a robotic lawn mower from one of the well-known manufacturers for less.
What accessories does the Worx Landroid SO500i offer?
The Worx Landroid WR105SI comes with the previously mentioned Li-ion battery, the obligatory charging station with power supply, a 10-meter extension cable, and nails for attachment. The required boundary wire for operation (130 m), along with 180 pegs and two spacers for its installation, are also included. Additionally, nine blades are included, allowing for the replacement of the three blades twice with the included wrench.
When the blades are used up, they can be purchased as spare parts. Additional boundary wire, pegs for attachment, and cable connectors are also available for purchase. The same applies to a roof in the form of a garage. It is important to note that the Worx Landroid SO500i has its charging port on the side. Therefore, not all universal garages are suitable for this robotic lawn mower.
Our conclusion on the best-selling robot lawn mowers
As you can see, a colorful mix of different models with varying features can be found on the top ranks of the most sold robot lawn mowers. Therefore, there should be a suitable option for every potential buyer and every garden. Not convinced? Keep browsing through our site to find the best robotic lawn mower for you and your lawn.
Buying a robot lawn mower – What to consider
How much is a robot lawn mower?
1. Initial Costs
Robot lawn mowers come equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offer a variety of features. Therefore, the price range varies greatly depending on the features and the desired lawn size. A robot mower can cost between 500 and $4000 or more. A good comparison is crucial!
Since robotic lawn mowers are becoming more and more common in gardens around the world, there are now excellent models available for under $500.
However, the relatively high price compared to conventional lawn mowers is offset by lower operating costs and, of course, the immense time savings. Especially, the time savings are the main reason why many people choose to purchase a robot lawn mower.
So if you are considering the question ‘How much does a robotic lawn mower cost?’ you should always think about the time saved and your motivation to have to mow the lawn yourself again and again over years.
It is particularly important to consider the ability to mow during rainfall.
2. Operating Costs
The ongoing operating costs are a factor that you should definitely consider! These costs are much lower than the operating costs of a conventional petrol lawn mower.
The total electricity costs are estimated to be only ten to fifty dollars per year. Of course, this depends on the area of lawn to be mowed.
The maintenance effort is minimal. A prerequisite for this is a robust and durable model that is not prone to major repairs.
The blades should be replaced occasionally. These should be replaced every few months. However, the costs amount to only ten to twenty dollars, depending on the model.
The battery usually lasts several years, so a battery replacement is only necessary after several years. The cost of a new battery ranges from approximately 30 to $100 depending on the model.
Affordable Robot Mowers
If you’re looking to buy an affordable robot mower, we recommend taking a look at our price-performance winner, the Worx SO500i.
Unfortunately, there are many models on the market that are very cheap, but you’ll have a very short-lived experience with most robotic lawn mowers in this price range.
More affordable robot mowersWhat is the cutting result of a robotic mower?
One of the most important factors when considering a robotic lawn mower is the cutting result. You would rather not purchase a mower solely for time-saving purposes; you also want a good cutting result.
Therefore, this factor is a separate category in our robotic lawn mower comparison reports, showing you which model performs best for your lawn size.
In general, robotic lawn mowers produce a very nice cutting result, as they do not create tracks due to the random cutting pattern and produce a better lawn appearance through mulching. However, some robotic lawn mowers still have their flaws, particularly when mowing in the rain. Some models may spin their wheels and leave unsightly tracks.
For more information, please refer to our individual comparison reports.
How loud is a robotic lawn mower?
If your relationship with your neighbors is important to you, you should also consider the noise level when purchasing a robotic lawn mower. Although all models in our comparison are approximately around 60 decibels, a lower value is, of course, better if the mower will be used in the evening, at night, or on Sundays and public holidays.
For comparison, a conventional petrol lawn mower often measures around 80 to 90 decibels.
Where can I find the right accessories?
Naturally, the included accessories vary depending on the model. Adjusted to the lawn size, there are differences in the length of the boundary and search cable, as well as the number of hooks.
We want to clarify what each component of the delivery content is for. In addition to the robotic lawn mower and charging station, the required accessories include the following components:
1. The boundary wire
The boundary wire or perimeter wire for the robotic mower is delivered with a length of approximately 150 to 400 meters. This information, of course, depends on the lawn size for which the respective model is designed. You already know what the boundary cable is needed for. Under the installation section, you will learn how to lay the boundary cable properly and what to consider.
2. Pegs for the boundary wire
The pegs for the boundary wire are used to anchor it in the ground. The cable then grows into the grass until it is no longer visible. Alternatively, the cable can be laid underground. You will find more information about this under the installation section.
3. Guide wire
Occasionally, a guide wire may be included in the delivery content, which is connected to the charging station and enables the robotic lawn mower to return to the charging station. In addition, the guide wire is laid in narrow passages for automower models that are connected to the boundary cable. This assists the remote control lawn mower on its way to the remote passages.
4. Wire Connectors
The wire connectors and clamps are used to connect or extend the boundary wire and guide wire.
5. Distance sensor
The distance sensor is included to maintain a sufficient distance from obstacles or the garden boundary. This prevents the lawn mower from hitting stones or falling into a pond.
6. Replacement blades
The number of replacement blades included in the delivery content varies greatly. The blades should be replaced after several months to ensure optimal cutting results and not to strain the engine.
Of course, there are also accessories for the robotic lawn mower that need to be replaced after several months. In addition, the boundary cable is often not included or not adequately included in the delivery content. You can find an overview of reasonably priced remote control lawn mower accessories here:
What to Consider Before First Use?
Robot Lawn Mower Installation & Service
Before you can start using your robot lawn mower, you’ll need to install it. Although the installation process may vary depending on the manufacturer, there are a few general points to keep in mind.
Remove any objects that could damage the mower’s blades, such as stones, branches, toys, etc. You should also be aware of any water accumulation in the soil, as this could potentially damage the electrical components.
Most robot lawn mowers come with a detailed user manual that includes instructions specific to the product.
Nevertheless, we’d like to provide a general overview of how the installation and setup of a robot lawn mower typically works. Alternatively, you can use the link above to find a professional installation service.
Placing the charging station
The correct location of the charging station is crucial, as otherwise there can be many problems.
The location should be chosen according to the following rules:
- There should be no unevenness or inclines near the charging station to ensure a smooth docking process of the lawn mower.
- The charging station should not be placed in a narrow passage, as this can cause problems during the docking process. The boundary cables connected to the charging station should optimally run in a right angle towards both sides.
- You should cover the charging station to protect it from weather influences such as hail or heavy rain. In summer, it also helps to protect the lawn mower’s battery during charging and rest periods, as the cover provides shade.
- There should be a power outlet nearby to connect the charging station to the power grid.
- If possible, the charging station should not be placed directly on the lawn. Otherwise, unsightly yellow stains may occur.
Laying the boundary and guide wire
To ensure that the lawn mower knows where to mow, the mowing area is marked with a boundary wire, as explained in the previous section. But how exactly should the perimeter wire be laid?
There are some special features to consider when laying the boundary wire:
1. The boundary wire
In general, lawn mowers leave a lawn edge that needs to be manually processed because the boundary wire is usually laid about 30 cm away from the lawn edge or walls. Depending on the obstacle at the lawn edge, this distance can be varied. Manufacturers choose generous distances here to prevent the lawn mower from damaging walls.
In general, one should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, our practical experience shows that by trying out some things, one can save a few centimeters of lawn edge that would have to be processed manually without the lawn mower hitting walls.
Here, the above-ground and underground laying methods are distinguished:
The above-ground laying method
When using the above-ground laying method for the perimeter wire of robot lawn mowers, some things should be considered:
- Mow your lawn in advance with a regular lawn mower.
- Remove obstacles on the lawn that could cause the boundary cable to protrude.
- Start laying the cable at the charging station, but do not yet connect the boundary cable to the charging station. Leave about 50 cm of cable at the end. Only at the end, connect the boundary cable to the charging station.
- Pay attention to the recommended distance from the lawn edge.
- Hold the cable taut and make sure it does not protrude at any point on the lawn.
- Fasten the boundary cable to the ground with the pegs provided.
The underground laying method
With the underground laying method, the boundary or guide wire of the robot lawn mower is placed a few centimeters below the ground. This can be done with a simple lawn edge cutter or a cable laying machine. In case of emergency, an angle grinder can also help.
The biggest advantage of this method is that the cable is not visible. This is therefore also the cleanest and most beautiful method. However, it is somewhat more time-consuming than the above-ground method.
Because this work usually only needs to be done once, this can be forgiven.
2. The guide wire
The guide wire is used to guide the robot lawn mower back to the charging station. It is laid from the charging station to a remote part of the work area or through a narrow passage (as shown by the red cable in the image).
Afterward, it is connected to the boundary wire to complete the circuit. The same cable is used for this, but the term “guide wire” is used due to its assigned function.
More information on laying the boundary wire can be found here:
Comprehensive Guide: Laying the Boundary Wire
A step-by-step installation guide and installation services can be found here:
Visit Blog Post ‘Robot Mower Installation’FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Robot Mowers
- 1. When is a robot lawn mower useful?
An automated lawn mower is especially useful when there is a time or physical constraint. It does not depend on the size of the lawn, as almost all areas can be covered. - 2. How often should I mow?
We recommend mowing at least every two days. If the grass gets too long, it cannot rot properly. Many people also let the robot mower roll over the lawn every day. - 3. What cutting height should I choose?
You should choose the cutting height according to your needs. A middle value of about 40 mm has proven to be effective, as too short grass can often lead to drying out. - 4. When should I change the blades?
This depends heavily on the lawn size and conditions. Smaller areas have less wear and tear. The blades should be changed when the cutting quality deteriorates. This can easily be recognized by “fraying”. A time window of 3–4 months is normal for small areas. For areas over 1000 sqm, they should be changed approximately every 1–2 months. The blades are quite inexpensive, so sharpening is not necessarily worth it. - 5. What happens if there are stones or branches on the ground?
Stones, branches or similar objects significantly reduce the lifespan of the blades. Therefore, before each use, you should check if there are any objects on the ground. Objects such as small apples can usually be easily moved out of the way by a robot mower. Nevertheless, this can contribute to wear and tear if they get into the blades. - 6. How can I best maintain my robotic lawn mower?
In addition to the most important thing, changing the blades, you should clean the robotic lawn mower a little every 2–3 weeks and remove all the cut grass from the cutting deck. - 7. How much electricity does a robot mower cost me?
A robot lawn mower charges in the charging station and consumes electricity. The costs depend on the model and are around $30 per year – a fraction of the cost you would spend on gasoline, for example. - 8. When should I winterize the remote control lawn mower?
The robotic lawn mower should be stored when the time of frost begins. So in November, you should move the remote control lawn mower indoors at the latest. You should also dismantle the charging station and store it frost-free, dry and clean with the robot mower over the winter. - 9. Can pets or children be endangered?
As mentioned before, this danger is limited. Since robot mowers have all kinds of sensors, the blades stop immediately when the mower is lifted or tilted. Furthermore, there is hardly any danger even when reaching into the housing, as the blades do not work over the full width. - 10. Who should I contact in case of problems?
If you purchased the robot mower from a specialty store, you can contact them directly.
What’s New in Automatic Lawn Mowers for 2024?
In the world of automatic lawn mowers, there are several new developments planned for the year 2024 – manufacturers are already preparing for the upcoming gardening season and updating their product line. In the bestseller category, the Bosch Indego S+ 350 currently holds the top spot on bestseller lists. New Worx Landroid models are also expected to make an appearance, as usual. We are excited and anticipate the release of several new models. Rest assured, we will keep you up-to-date on the latest news.
Our Conclusion – The Best Robot Lawn Mowers
What should you look for when buying a robot lawn mower? Which are the best lawn mower robots? We’ve examined the best models in great detail, and our conclusion is overwhelmingly positive due to their numerous advantages:
Today, there is enough selection available for every garden size. Manufacturers can handle almost anything from small gardens with few obstacles to large, very intricate gardens!
Once the elaborate installation is complete, you can sit back and let the robot mower do the work. Not only does the robotic lawn mower take over, it even provides a significantly better mowing result than before, thanks to mulching the lawn while mowing. Less moss emerges, and you’re one step closer to a British lawn.
As the robot lawn mower test by German ‘Stiftung Warentest’ shows, there are still some safety issues to address. You should avoid the models that have performed poorly in this regard. New to the top three is the Stihl robot mower iMow RMI 422, which impresses with its speed.
If you want to buy a robot lawn mower, you are now well-equipped to choose the right model for you. If you need any clarification, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment! Alternatively, feel free to browse through our magazine.
There is many more useful information and exciting outlooks on the future of robotics technology here. Robots are not only a big topic for the home garden, but also for agriculture and industry. For example, special lawn mower robots used in herds can reduce or even replace the use of pesticides like glyphosate. We also briefly introduce you to newly released models in the magazine. We hope you enjoy reading and mowing (with your new robot mower)!
Robot Mower News: Latest Reports in the Magazine
Dreame Roboticmower A1: First LiDAR Lawn Robot Without Camera Available
The Dreame A1 stands out as the first lawn mowing robot to exclusively use LiDAR technology for navigation and obstacle detection. Dreametech, a subsidiary of Xiaomi, known previously for their vacuums and hair dryers, has now expanded into the robot vacuum and robotic mower market with the introduction of the Dreame A1. This particular model comes in a single version and is designed for lawns up to 21,500 square feet (2,000 m²). It operates without Read more
Mowrator S1: Kickstarter Campaign Launched for Remote-Controlled Lawn Mower
Admittedly, the Mowrator S1 isn’t your typical lawn robot like you’re used to. It comes with a rather unconventional concept and is perfect for those who aren’t quite ready to fully entrust their lawn care to robotics. The Mowrator is controlled via a remote, reminiscent of model airplanes. It sports a traditional sickle cutting system commonly found in conventional lawnmowers. An optional fan kit is touted to better capture and mulch leaves with its suction. Read more
Oasa R1: Comes with LiDAR-Navigation and Reel-Mower System
Recently, the Oasa R1 was introduced as the first robotic lawn mower equipped with a reel-mowing deck, similar to those found in traditional lawn mowers. This is intended to enhance the cutting edges of the grass blades compared to conventional robotic mowers, thus resulting in a more attractive lawn appearance. A Kickstarter campaign offering special deals for early adopters will be launched soon. Developed by the startup Oasa, founded in 2022, the R1 also incorporates Read more
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