DIY automated lawn mower. 7 Best Robot Lawn Mowers for Hands-Free Lawn Maintenance

Do you enjoy a freshly mown lawn but hate to do the mowing? A robot lawn mower may be the perfect choice for you!

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Buying a Robot Lawn Mower

Most people like a well-maintained lawn, but that doesn’t mean they enjoy doing the actual maintenance. Robotic lawn mowers are battery-powered lawn mowing devices that drive around your lawn, keeping the grass under control.

Robot mowers have been rapidly improving, with each new model featuring improved performance and dependability. Even so, this technology is in its relative infancy, making it a good fit for DIYers who enjoy tinkering with their tech as much as they enjoy using it.

It’s also worth noting several manufacturers have struggled to produce enough robotic lawn mowers to meet demand, and many popular models are currently back-ordered. For this list, we did our best to highlight in stock and available models.

Here are a few factors to consider when buying a robot lawn mower:

Yard Size. Larger yards need a mower with a longer battery life. If the battery is too short-lived, it will need to recharge halfway through mowing, leaving you with a patchy, half-cut lawn. Most robotic mowers have a manufacturer’s recommended yard size, usually around a half acre.

Installation. While the actual mowing is hands-free, robotic mowers do require work to set up. Robot mowers use low-voltage wire to establish a perimeter and mowing zones (much like a dog’s invisible fence). The low-voltage wire is powered by the mower’s charging base, and the mower can emerge on command or at regular intervals to trim the grass. Installing the charging dock and low-voltage wire is a great way to save money, but it can be time-consuming. DIYers should plan on spending about half a day on installation.

Landscaping and Obstacles. Not surprisingly, robotic mowers work best on flat, level lawns. Most robotic mowers can handle gentle slopes, and can traverse flat pavement without incident. If you have gravel, mulch or other irregular surfaces, you’ll want a mower with either multiple start points (so it won’t mow over those materials) or to invest in more low-voltage wiring to define the mowing zones. If you have many trees, bushes, furniture or other obstacles, look for a mower with avoidance detection, and consider one with a narrow wheel base.

Cleaning and Maintenance. Robotic mowers are relatively light, so you can simply flip them over and hose them off to clean away grass clippings. Batteries will probably last three to five years. Blades may need to be sharpened or replaced every year.

Remote Controls. Most mowers have physical controls to start stop, and adjust the mowing height. complex command entry depends on the model; some use an on-board interface while others rely on an app, often through a computer, smartphone or voice assistant.

Rain Sensors. Mowing in the rain can lead to grass clumps or clogs. Some models have rain sensors that direct them to return to the charger if they detect precipitation.

Noise. Robotic mowers are far quieter than a gas-powered mower, but they’re not silent. Most models produce about 60 decibels (dB) while mowing, which is about as loud as a conversation in a restaurant. Some models are even quieter, which makes them a great choice for operating at night.

Clippings. All robotic mowers are mulchers, and tend to make many passes taking just a little off the top of the grass. This enriches the soil and makes for fewer grass clogs.

Theft Prevention. Robotic mowers are expensive pieces of equipment that are stored outside. That makes them very attractive to thieves. Manufacturers have a variety of theft prevention techniques, ranging from PIN codes and loud alarms to geo-fencing.

Price. Expect to pay around 1,000 to 3,000 for a robotic mower. There are models available for as little as 800, and as much as 5,000.

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WORX WR155 Landroid Robot Lawn Mower

WORX is one of the major robotic lawn mower brands, and they offer several models to choose from. The WORX WR155 Robot Lawn Mower features an 8-inch cutting width and and the ability to tackle slopes up to 20 degrees. It has a rain detector to help it avoid moisture, and it’s backed up by a three-year limited warranty.

With both Smart phone and virtual assistant integration, the Landroid has an easy set up and control system. WORX offers optional upgrades, such as the Landroid Anti-Collision System (ACS) to help navigate the unique contours of your yard. We tried the Worx Landroid Robotic Lawnmower to see how it really works in the real world.

How Effective Are Robotic Lawnmowers?

Robot mowers are becoming increasingly popular, joining a slew of intelligent appliances and devices offering convenience, sustainability, and Smart technology.

But for all their growing popularity, many people still want to know: How effective are they?

This question frequently arises—it almost sounds too good to be true.

Robot lawn mowers have numerous advantages over traditional mowers. You can find the best model for you by examining several critical factors.

Here’s what you need to know about robotic lawnmowers and how well they work.

How Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Work?

Robotic lawnmowers utilize a variety of advanced technologies to maintain lawns efficiently.

Older robot mowers rely on physical barriers like perimeter wires.

The latest innovations let you go wire-free using cutting-edge technologies like GPS, LiDAR, visual sensors, or cameras to map out the yard and mow efficiently.

Some can even trim your grass around the yard’s edges — areas traditionally out of reach for robots.

Virtual boundaries help mowers avoid areas like garden beds or mulched landscaping areas. Robotic mowers can also automatically avoid obstacles like trees, boulders — and even dogs! They can also detect deviations from their programmed route and course-correct.

The latest robotic mowers even have intelligent features like detecting rain and automatically returning to their docking station until the rain stops.

Robotic lawn mowers that use a perimeter wire will stay within their designated physical boundaries. The perimeter wire sends signals to the mower telling it where it can and cannot go.

However, there are several downfalls to the perimeter wire approach. Aboveground wires present a tripping hazard, the cables are easy to damage, and mowing patterns are typically random and inefficient.

Award-winning innovations like EcoFlow BLADE Robotic Lawn Mower utilize cutting-edge tech like LiDAR, visual sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI).

BLADE offers a far more efficient modern alternative to the already-dated perimeter wire approach. Using X-Vision and virtual boundaries to delineate the mowing area and intelligent technologies to create optimized mowing patterns, BLADE wins this robot war. Hands down.

What Are the Advantages of Using a Robotic Lawnmower?

The biggest and best benefit of using a robotic lawnmower is clear: you don’t have to do it yourself. You also won’t need expensive and unreliable landscapers traipsing around your yard.

Smart technology makes automated lawn mowing effortless, freeing up your schedule for more important things. With an automated lawn mowing routine, you’ll be amazed at how healthy and trim your lawn looks with virtually zero effort from you.

Zero Labor Involved

Robotic mowers can work any day, any time, so that you can save time and energy — no more valuable weekend hours spent covered in grass clippings.

With a Smart robotic lawn mower, you don’t have to worry about the manual labor of pushing a lawnmower around your yard or dealing with a loud gas engine.

Just set it up once and let it go!

If your mower can schedule its cuts and return to its charger without your intervention, it can be a truly hands-off experience — Just one of the many benefits EcoFlow’s BLADE offers.

Less Pollution

Traditional gas-powered lawn mowers produce a lot of emissions. As much as a car, in fact. Gas mowers are incredibly inefficient and contribute to 242 million tons of pollutants each year.

Like it or not, gas mowers will soon be a thing of the past. California has already banned the sale of gas-powered mowers as of 2024 — and many other states are likely to follow suit.

By contrast, robotic mowers are powered by electricity and generate no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. Just plug them back into their charging station or use a portable power station to recharge when the batteries run out.

Safer

Modern robotic mowers are safer than traditional or first-generation robot lawn mowers. They feature sensors, cameras, and other safety features that help prevent them from running into people or pets. And safety locks to stop kids from using them without adult supervision.

In addition, since robotic mowers perform their work without manual intervention, you’ll no longer have to worry about the safety risks, such as hand injuries, associated with manually pushing a lawnmower across your yard.

Healthier-Looking Lawn

Robotic mowers cut grass much better than you can with a manual lawn mower, producing a healthier lawn. They use advanced sensors and cameras to detect where the grass is growing, and precision engineering provides a more even cut.

Thanks to grasscycling, the cuttings from your lawn will help it stay greener and healthier for longer.

Cost Savings

Robotic mowers are an investment, but they can offer long-term cost savings that make them a wise investment. They require less maintenance than traditional lawnmowers, meaning no oil or spark plugs to change — and there are no gasoline costs or pollution.

You’ll be able to save money in the long run — and time right away!

If you’re deciding between a robot mower and a landscaping service, it’s a huge savings opportunity. Lawn services can cost hundreds of dollars monthly. A robot mower requires one up-front investment — and no ongoing costs except minimal electricity fees.

Quiet Experience

Robotic mowers are much quieter than gas-powered ones, providing a peaceful, hands-off lawn mowing experience.

Compared to gas-powered mowers, robot mowers are nearly silent.

The EcoFlow BLADE has a noise level of less than 62 dB, barely louder than a quiet conversation. A gas-powered riding mower can produce over 90 decibels of noise when operating — similar in volume to a DJ at a school dance and slightly less musical.

Because of BLADE’s whisper-quiet operation, you can even schedule BLADE to mow at night and make the lawn cutting process as non-intrusive as possible.

It’s a win-win for you and your neighbors!

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Robotic Mower

When robot mowers first hit the market, there weren’t many options available to consumers.

Today, it’s quite the opposite.

There are so many options to choose from that deciding which model is right for your lawn can feel overwhelming.

Here’s what to keep in mind while making your decision.

• Budget—How much can you realistically spend on a robotic mower? Robotic mowers come in a variety of sizes and features. The cost can vary widely depending on what you choose. With many manufacturers, low-interest financing is an option.
• Lawn Size—Consider how large your lawn is and whether or not the robotic mower you’re looking at can handle it. Some are better suited for small properties, while others can mow acres.
• Slope—Are there steep slopes or hills in your lawn that the mower might struggle to navigate? Ensure the mower you choose is powerful enough and equipped with self-leveling features that make it easier to maneuver around steep areas.
• Terrain—Are there any particularly bumpy or uneven spots in your lawn that might be difficult for the mower to traverse? If so, choose a model with features like a larger front wheel and suspension that can handle these areas.
• Climate—Does your area experience heavy rains or snowfall during certain months of the year? Consider how the weather may impact your mower. Some models, like the EcoFlow Blade, are water resistant and have rain sensors to tell it if the weather is terrible — at this point, it will return to its charging station. Other robot mowers may continue operating until you stop them and potentially cause significant damage to the machine.
• Battery Life—How long will the battery last? At least one complete pass of your lawn should be considered the bare minimum. Though most robot mowers come with an internal power source, some require you to (or give you the option to) buy additional batteries. EcoFlow BLADE integrates seamlessly with a Smart extra battery and/or portable power station to keep running for hours — even days — between charges.

Can a Robotic Lawn Mower Handle My Lawn?

Robotic mowers can handle most residential lawns, but that doesn’t mean they fit perfectly for every situation. Consider your budget, the size and shape of your property, the slope and terrain of your land, and your local climate before deciding.

If you expect to mow your entire lawn on one battery charge, pay attention to the maximum area the mower can handle between charges.

How Many Acres Can the EcoFlow Blade Mow?

The EcoFlow Blade has a cutting area of 5000 square meters — equating to about 1.23 acres of lawn — it can mow before recharging.

With 260mm in cutting width and a 20-80mm range in cutting height, BLADE gives you significantly wider cuts and more adjustable heights than other robotic lawn mowers. Its unique wheel design allows BLADE to navigate all sorts of obstacles and terrains.

In an industry first, the optional lawn sweeper kit can remove leaves, branches, animal waste and other unwanted debris from your lawn.

Say goodbye to mowing your lawn — and to raking it while you’re at it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Really Work?

Yes, robotic lawn mowers really can mow your lawn for you. If you want a truly hands-off experience, invest in an innovative model like the EcoFlow Blade, which doesn’t require a perimeter wire or physical boundaries. Instead, BLADE uses GPS coordinates and X-Vision to guide cut an effective path through your lawn. You can control everything through the EcoFlow App — or just set it and forget it, and let BLADE do its thing.

Final Thoughts

Advanced robotic mowers have many features and benefits, such as self-charging and scheduling capabilities, rain sensors, extended battery life, and more.

The right model can make keeping your lawn in tip-top shape effortless.

Before you buy, consider your budget, lawn size, terrain, climate, and the ideal mower battery life to choose the most viable option for you. EcoFlow BLADE is one of the more innovative options on the market, providing a hands-off way to get the lawn of your dreams — no manual labor or perimeter wire required!

EcoFlow is a portable power and renewable energy solutions company. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has provided peace-of-mind power to customers in over 85 markets through its DELTA and RIVER product lines of portable power stations and eco-friendly accessories.

Why spend weekends pushing a loud gas mower and breathing exhaust fumes? Let one of these autonomous electric mowers do the work cleanly and quietly.

By Mark Wolfe | Updated Jul 18, 2023 10:43 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila

Improvements in rechargeable battery tech and intelligent software have dramatically changed the way we live. Smart televisions and lighting systems improve our sensory environment, while other automated home devices like vacuum cleaners, thermostats, and refrigerators minimize many more mundane tasks. Similarly, robotic lawn mowers can now keep the grass at just the right height, eliminating a time-consuming weekend chore.

These devices may even cost less to own and operate than gasoline-powered mowers while making very little noise and producing no exhaust emissions. They maintain up to an acre or more on most types of terrain, and they work automatically so folks with lawns have more time to relax and enjoy their green space.

No doubt, all of this sounds great—but how well do these robots actually perform? To find out, we put some popular models through their paces on real-life lawns. Read on to learn about the criteria we used to select these mowers, and then check out our product reviews to find out how each one did on our test turf. Anyone in the market for a new mower might just discover that a robot model can be a Smart, time-saving investment. R2-D2 would surely approve!

• BEST OVERALL:Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Gardena 15001-20 Sileno City Automatic Robotic Mower
• UPGRADE PICK:Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR STEEP HILLS:Redback MowRo 9.5-Inch Robot Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR LARGE LAWNS:Husqvarna Automower 115H Robotic Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS:Gardena 15202-41 Sileno Minimo Robotic Mowe

Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila

How We Tested the Best Robotic Lawn Mowers

All of the robotic lawn mowers we tested use 14-gauge low-voltage wire to establish the barrier. We assembled two barriers around two 1,200-square-foot patches of lawn—one with Bermuda grass and a steep slope and one mostly flat area with centipede grass. Each test area included two large open spaces connected by a narrow bottleneck corridor, and all the mowers were tested on both test areas.

We established a daily mowing schedule for 7 days in each location. We observed the ease of programming and communication with the mower as well as its actual performance. Criteria to be included in this guide were as follows:

• Consistently reliable mowing on schedule and returning to the base station after initial setup and first-day adjustments
• Consistently navigating the narrow corridor to mow both large areas
• Avoiding random obstacles intentionally left within the boundaries
• Returning to the base station in the event of rain or sprinklers
• Avoiding excessively steep slopes without becoming stuck
• Complete coverage of the test area—no noticeable missed spots for the entire test week

Our Top Picks

We measured the following robotic lawn mowers against our shopping considerations (detailed below) and put each one to work for a 7-day home trial. Find out why we recommend them among the best robot lawn mowers available.

Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower

The popular Worx Landroid robotic mower lineup includes models S, M, and L for yards up to 0.125 acre, 0.25 acre, and 0.5 acre, respectively. While they offer many similarities, we found that the Worx Landroid M offers the best combination of capability and affordability. It is powered by a 20-volt 4-amp-hour lithium-ion battery for 2 hours of runtime per 90-minute charge. It can mow on a 20-degree slope thanks to a pair of high-efficiency brushless wheel motors that provide extra traction. The Landroid’s 8-inch self-leveling mowing disc cuts closer to the edges of the yard than many competitors. The blade height manually adjusts from 1.5 to 3.5 inches.

Landroid connects to a home Wi-Fi network via Bluetooth and automatically keeps its own software up to date. You can easily set or adjust the custom mowing schedule or monitor the mower on the go via the Landroid mobile app. An integrated rain sensor stops the mower from cutting if rain starts and sends it back to its charging station.

The Landroid M performed at or near the top in most of our testing rubric categories. Assembly and programming were easy, mowing was reliable with excellent coverage, communication through the mobile app was intuitive, and runtime was superior—all for a very competitive price. Runtime was especially impressive: We clocked it at 2 hours 35 minutes, the longest of all the mowers we tested.

Unfortunately, we subtracted points for poor docking ability. Landroid was the only mower we tested with recharging contacts located on the side of the machine rather than the front or back. To recharge, it must be perfectly positioned in relation to two flexible contact points as it passes over the base station; otherwise, it continues tracking along the perimeter wire without stopping. After resetting the base station three times and ensuring it was absolutely level in all directions with a long, straight approach, we finally achieved satisfactory results.

Aside from that issue, the Landroid provides outstanding overall functionality for the price. Available upgrades include the ACS module that prevents collisions, Find My Landroid GPS cellular module, Radio Link module to extend Wi-Fi connectivity for improved artificial intelligence, an Off Limits module for wire-free no-mow zones within the main mowing area, and the Landroid Garage.

Product Specs

• Coverage area: 0.25 acre (10,890 square feet)
• Mowing height range: 1.5 to 3.5 inches
• Slope rating: 20 degrees
• Includes everything you need to get started and clear step-by-step instructions for easy installation
• User-friendly mobile app makes it simple to control the mower and check status remotely
• 2 hours of runtime per charge means more mowing and less time spent charging
• Competitive price point for a highly capable robotic lawn mower
• Base station must be installed perfectly or the mower may not align properly for charging
• Some desirable features are not included with the base kit

Get the Worx robot lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Gardena 15001-20 Sileno City Automatic Robotic Mower

Anyone shopping for an affordable and uncomplicated robotic lawn mower for a small yard would do well to consider the Gardena Sileno City. It navigates slopes up to 25 percent and corridors as narrow as 24 inches wide. Plus, it works rain or shine, day or night.

Available with either a 2,700-square-foot or 5,400-square-foot maximum mowing capacity, the Sileno City is a great option for most urban landscapes. It requires a flat, level area for the charging station and a nearby power source. A low-voltage perimeter wire keeps the mower inbounds and may be configured to mow a secondary area that is isolated from the primary lawn.

You can customize the mowing height between 0.8 inch and 2 inches high by means of a manual adjustment knob. The Gardena Bluetooth app makes it easy to operate the mower or customize the schedule and other settings from any mobile device, or use the onboard control panel to make adjustments.

It took about 1.5 hours to set up the Gardena Sileno City in our testing area. The kit included everything needed to get started, along with clear instructions. We plugged in the base station and allowed the mower to charge while we installed the perimeter wire and guide wire. The guide wire is an extra wire that bisects the lawn from the base station to the most distant portion of the perimeter wire. All Gardena (and parent company Husqvarna) robot mowers use it to navigate more efficiently.

After installation, we followed the instructions to calibrate the system and program the schedule. Starting with a pre-mowed lawn, we adjusted the mower height to mow 1.5 inches high, and the yard looked great throughout the test period.

One feature that shoppers should be aware of is the maximum daily runtime of about 3.5 hours per day (for the 2,700-square-foot version that we tested). Don’t bother scheduling the mower to run more than 3.5 hours total per day since after reaching the time limit, the device will simply return home until the following day. Since we mowed no more than 2.5 hours per day, we didn’t have a problem.

Product Specs

• Coverage area: 2,700 square feet
• Mowing height range: 0.8 to 2.0 inches
• Slope rating: 14.04 degrees
• Value-priced yet feature-rich robotic mower ideal for smaller lawn areas
• Kit includes everything needed for installation and easy-to-follow instructions
• Reliably and quietly mows all kinds of grass, day or night, rain or shine
• Navigates slopes up to 25 percent and passages as narrow as 24 inches
• Preprogrammed with a daily runtime limit that stops the mower regardless of battery status
• Not Wi-Fi or GPS enabled

Get the Gardena 15001-20 robot lawn mower at Amazon or Gardena.

Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower

Here is a well-equipped mower for warm-season grasses up to 0.4 acre, especially lawns with challenging obstacles, narrow passages, and sloped terrain. With a mowing height range of 0.8 to 2 inches, the Husqvarna Automower 415X is designed for maintaining low-mow grasses like zoysia, Bermuda, and centipede. It is powered by an 18-volt 2-amp-hour lithium-ion battery that delivers a runtime of 50 minutes per charge and recharges in 60 minutes. This premium mower features a high-resolution onboard display, rugged poly front bumper, LED headlights, and coarse-tread wheels that easily handle slopes up to 40 percent.

The Automower 415X is loaded with communication and control features, beginning with cellular and Bluetooth connectivity. It is easily controlled via the Automower Connect mobile app and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Smart devices. Husqvarna’s intelligent mapping technology uses GPS sensors to virtually map the lawn, enabling zone control with customized settings, and real-time tracking through the app. This high level of communication pairs nicely with precision control and automated features like electric height adjustment, automatic passage handling, remote location starting, spiral- and spot-cutting capabilities, wireless firmware updates, theft protection system with GPS tracking, and more.

The Automower 415X arrived for testing with everything we needed for a quick and easy DIY installation. The layout and setup were similar to the other models we tested but with the unique addition of a central guide wire running through the middle of the mowing area to assist with navigation back to the home base. Initial programming was fast and intuitive with the mower’s onboard controls. After downloading the app, we spent some time customizing mowing options, adding the targeted mowing height and spiral mowing options. Targeted mowing automatically lowered the cutting height each day until our preselected height was achieved. With spiral mowing engaged, the mower automatically detects extra-tall or dense growth and mows that isolated area in a spiral pattern. These two options were especially helpful in combination, as we needed to get our overgrown Bermuda grass under control.

Our testing lawn was an irregularly shaped area encompassing 1,200 square feet, with a tree isolated by the boundary wire near the middle and two larger lawn areas on either side. Part of the test area included a steep slope, close to 50 percent in one small area, and the 415X had no trouble. We noticed after the third or fourth mowing that the robot was making more efficient linear cuts and less frequently getting caught up in multipoint turns.

During the target-height adjustment period, the mower seemed to FOCUS more time on a section after it had been sufficiently cut, then running out of battery before fully cutting the other section. Once the target was achieved, however, daily mowing at 1.25 inches kept the grass looking great. Docking at the base station went perfectly every time. Easy setup, reliable operation, Smart tech, and a lower mowing height range make this a good choice for most small to midsize yards with warm-season lawn grass.

Product Specs

• Coverage area: 0.4 acre (17,424 square feet)
• Mowing height range: 0.8 to 2 inches
• Slope rating: 22 degrees
• Precision control features allow you to target portions of the lawn that require more attention
• GPS-assisted navigation allows the robot to mow challenging areas more efficiently
• Easily navigates obstructions like toys and lawn furniture as well as difficult terrain
• Cellular and Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to connect and control the mower remotely
• Premium price point for top-of-the-line robotic mowing technology
• Highly efficient mowing capability is offset by a somewhat limited runtime per charge

Get the Husqvarna Automower 415X robot lawn mower at Amazon or Lowe’s.

The best robotic lawn mowers for 2023

Like the look of robotic lawn mowers? Browse our pick of the very best, for gardens of all shapes and sizes.

Increasingly popular with UK gardeners, robotic lawn mowers are a welcome, hands-free alternative to traditional petrol and electric lawn mowers. Because a robotic lawn mower is fully automatic, it can be a brilliant option for gardeners who have mobility concerns, are away from home a lot, or simply find mowing a chore. Powered by rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries, most mowers are guided by a boundary cable laid around the edge of the lawn, which helps the robotic lawn mower identify where to mow and to avoid flower beds, trees and other obstacles.

While we tested models from a number of different brands, note that all of them offer a range of mowers with varying sizes, capabilities and features.

To compare these robotic models against other types of mowers, see our reviews of the best cordless lawn mowers, the best electric mowers and the best push mowers. And, if you’re looking to give your lawn a bit of TLC, our experts have tested a range of manual and powered aerators and scarifiers. check out the best scarifiers and best aerators reviews. You can also keep edges looking neat with our tests of the best strimmers or pick of the best lawn edging.

Best robotic lawn mowers at a glance

Our expertise

To help you find a robotic lawn mower suitable for your garden, we tested a range of mowers for different size gardens, including gardens with slopes and a complex shape. Each mower is in use for weeks at a time to allow us to assess its battery capacity and cutting proficiency as well as ease of use.

Each mower in our review has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to set up and ease of use, cutting performance, extra features and value for money. Every robotic mower in our round-up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

The robotic mower industry is constantly evolving, with new developemnts and advances, and we are currently testing a number of the latest models ready to update this review shortly. Please check back soon to see the results of our new review.

Best robotic lawn mowers

Husqvarna Automower 405X

RRP: From £1899.00

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Unobtrusive colour
• Easy connectivity
• Clever mowing features
• GPS theft tracking

Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for features, the Automower 405x boasts a huge range of features that help the mower cut well and make the experience easy for the user. These include, three different start points, switching mowing pattern according to where it’s mowing, such as through a narrow passage, frost guard and weather time that automatically adjusts the height according to the grass growth, and its new Rewilding Zone where you can leave 10% of the lawn aside to grow for pollinators.It’s available to buy as a bare mower, which is then installed by a dealer for an additional cost, or with the installation kit included and you install it yourself. Suitable for smaller gardens 600m2, the mower operates with both a boundary wire and a guide wire and unlike some other mowers, has a more flexible docking station, which doesn’t need a wide, clear space around it. ours was tucked neatly into the side of a hedge. It’s also easy to set up via the intuitive keypad or the impressive Automower Connect app, which allows you to change the schedule, adjust the height of cut, check on the mower’s progress and receive notifications, simply and quickly no matter where you are. As an X model, the mower also has a built in SIM so you have both remote and voice controlled control. Our only confusion with set up was working out the scheduling needed, which took a couple of weeks to establish, and that the height of cut on the app is listed as 1-9, when it cuts between 20mm and 50mm.The mower can cope with 40% slopes, which should suit most gardens. The slope in our test garden has a tendency to get muddy and slippery so at the installer’s advice, we used the spiked Terrain wheels which stop the wheels slipping. Only occasionally did the mower fail to get up the slope and when the weather was really wet we simply removed that zone from the work area. The mower cut consistently well and is very quiet, the only perceptible sound is the whirring of the blades as they cut. It occasionally missed spots on the lawn but overall this is a very easy to use and high performing mower.The Automower 405x is just one in a large range of Husqvarna mowers to suit different size lawns. A host of accessories are also available, including a cover for the docking station and wheel brushes, as well as spare parts, from batteries and blades to wheels. Both the mower and the battery come with a 2 year warranty.

Buy the Husqvarna 405X Automower from Sam Turner, Husqvarna and Red Band