Interested in a robot lawn mower? How to choose the right one for you (2024)

A good robot lawn mower can significantly simplify lawn maintenance for a renter or homeowner, offering convenience, efficiency, and a consistently well-manicured yard at an increasingly accessible price point. However, as technology evolves and a growing selection of robot lawn mowers becomes available, narrowing the search to focus on your property's needs can be easier said than done.

This guide aims to simplify the process, highlighting various factors to consider before investing in a kick-grass robot lawn mower that will keep your lawn in tip-top condition for years to come.

How do robot lawn mowers work?

A close cousin of the robot vacuum, a robot lawn mower operates autonomously to cut grass. It relies on user programming, internal sensors, navigation tools, and software to complete the task without lifting a finger.

Though not all robot lawn mowers operate using physical boundary technology, many require the installation of a boundary wire, which emits a magnetic field to keep the mower within (or away from) a pre-set area. Additional sensors on the device can also help the mower detect and avoid objects, stop cutting if it is lifted, or return the mower to its charger if it rains or when the battery is low.

Ultimately, setting up a robot lawn mower involves installing the boundary wire and antennas (if necessary), positioning the charging station, and programming the mowing schedule (often via a mobile app).

While robot mowers aren’t the answer for yards of all shapes and sizes, they can be the perfect alternative to a lawn service for maintaining defined lawn areas with minimal user intervention.

What do robot lawn mowers cost? How much do they cost to operate?

We’ve reached the dawn of an age where a decent robot lawn mower is available at just about every price point. The cost ultimately varies widely based on brand, features, and lawn size, typically ranging from a few hundred bucks for a base model to a few thousand for a robot lawn mower with sophisticated navigation and the ability to handle more extensive, complex lawns.

To be sure, the initial investment for a robot lawn mower may be higher than that of a run-of-the-mill push mower, but the reduced ongoing maintenance and operational costs may lead to long-term savings, in addition to the short-term convenience of letting a robot do your yard work for you.

Regular expenses with a robot lawn mower include replacement blades, which, depending on your machine, will cost between $20 and $50. Replacement blades are nothing new, even for traditional mower owners, but battery replacement is a unique consideration. Batteries typically last two to three years and will cost $100 or more to replace when the time comes.

Additional maintenance involves occasional mower cleaning and upkeep of the boundary wire and charging station. Some models may require software and firmware updates, which are typically free.

Robot lawn mower features to consider

Several features are crucial for peak performance and convenience when buying a robot lawn mower. First and foremost, however, you need to be sure the mower can handle the area of your lawn, as models vary in their capacity to cover different sizes. As with any device you use regularly, charging speed is essential, so you’ll also want to ensure you know how long it takes to bring your mower back to life if it can’t make it through the entire yard.

Once you know your robot lawn mower has the power to cut your entire yard, there are plenty of other areas where you can get lost in the weeds, so to speak, with fun features. Navigation technology can also vary from mower to mower; some use random patterns, while more advanced models incorporate GPS technology and mapping systems that ensure efficient coverage.

Bagging features and cutting height ranges vary from model to model, and prospective buyers should look for rain sensors. These sensors direct the mower back to its charging station during wet conditions to avoid mowing wet grass. Many mowers also have additional integrated safety features, such as sensors that stop cutting when the mower is lifted.

Smart connectivity options will also vary depending on the device, with features ranging from mobile apps and scheduling automation to remote control connectivity, all adding extra convenience.

Robot lawn mowers you can buy right now

With so many quality robot lawn mowers on the market today, it’s tough to know where to start when looking to buy your own. As we’ve noted, there are a lot of factors to consider, but here are three options where you can’t go wrong.

1. Ecoflow Blade

When we tested Ecoflow Blade, we were impressed with its battery life and mapping technology. We found that it wasn’t ideal for long grass in the summer, and the price point also isn’t cheap, especially considering it (like most robot lawn mowers) is not made for rugged terrain. But it's a great option if you can stomach the upfront cost and keep it programmed to stay on top of your yard before the grass gets too long. Plus, as a bonus, the sweeper tool add-on is handy, even in non-mowing seasons.

2. Luba 2 AWD 1000

The Luba 2 AWD series does not require a perimeter wire, which reduces the physical up-front setup needed but can also be less reliable than the magnetic field emitting from a boundary cord. The 1000 model can handle slopes up to 38 degrees with a maximum cut height of 2.75 inches. It covers up to 3,767 square feet per hour with a battery meant to handle lawns up to a quarter-acre (although models capable of up to 2.5 acres exist in the LUBA family).

3. Dreame A1

The Dreame A1 is a fully wireless system that works in an innovative U-shape path that "thoroughly covers your lawn for impressive evenness and quality of cut," according to the manufacturer. A1 boasts impressive smart navigation features and 360-degree object detection and avoidance, with precision down to 0.39 inches. The device also offers a variety of mowing modes (perimeter, full yard, zone-based). It works well against steep slopes, rough terrain, potholes, and tall, thick grass, with a range of up to a quarter acre, which is appropriate for a typical residential yard.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.