The best robot mowers of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

Mammotion Luba 2

Best robot mower overall

Husqvarna 430X

Best wire boundary robot mower

MowRo RM24

Best budget robot mower

Husqvarna Automower EPOS

Best robot mower for large yards

Based on ZDNET's hands-on testing, the best robot mower is the Mammotion Luba 2, thanks to its excellent ability to mow small and large yards, how accurate it is at mowing within the mapped area, its theft tracking measures, and its AWD capacity that enables it to navigate slopes of up to 38 degrees.

But this doesn't make the Luba 2 the best option for anyone looking for a robot mower. Here's how our top picks stack up:

When you've finalized a budget for a new robot mower, double-check your lot's size to narrow your search further. Different models have different runtimes, cutting deck widths, and varying amounts of included guidewires, so you'll have to thoroughly compare each model you're interested in to find the best match for your lawn.

Several factors should be considered when choosing a robot mower. These will help you narrow down your choices and ensure you're investing in a worthwhile one.

Here's what to consider:

• Lawn size: Robot mowers are only as good as their capacity, which means the size of your lawn greatly impacts which model you should choose. Different variations are available, so you don't end up paying too much for a higher capacity if you have a small lawn or buying one that needs to recharge multiple times to finish just one side of your yard. Consider your acreage before settling on a model, and choose a robot mower capable of covering it. 
• Obstacles: A robot mower's navigation, like a robot vacuum, is governed by the sensors and cameras it has to avoid getting too close to obstacles. Some robot mowers don't do well if you have unfenced garden beds or pools, or they may require wires along each obstacle to keep it safe, which you should factor into the initial expense.
• Terrain: Your yard's terrain should also be considered when shopping for a robot mower, especially if it has many slopes. If applicable, choose a mower to tackle your yard's incline since many struggle on uneven ground.
• Perimeter & installation: Robot mowers have different navigation types, including GPS and perimeter limitations. If you're okay installing a boundary wire and don't want mapping issues, you're likely better off with a wired installation. GPS installations are far easier, less time-consuming, and won't break your back or the bank, but they can be less reliable than boundary wire. 
• Cutting height: It's not bad to be picky about your lawn; robot mower manufacturers know this. Many homeowners prefer a high cutting height, while others mow as low as it will get them more time between cuttings. The grass type can also be finicky with different cutting heights, so choosing a robot with an appropriate cutting height range and preference for your grass is important.
• Cutting width: A narrow cutting width typically lets the robot mower navigate tight spaces and paths more easily, but this means the robot mower may take too long to mow larger lawns. In contrast, a larger cutting width reduces the time it takes to mow large areas.
• Maintenance: Consider how important upkeep is to you and how much time you will dedicate. Most robot mowers feature small blades that spin rapidly to cut grass, but they become dull much quicker than standard blades, requiring replacement every month. They also require periodic cleaning to maintain efficiency, especially when the yard is muddy.

To determine the best robot mowers, ZDNET did hands-on testing and research into the top models on the market and considered all the factors before purchasing a mower. 

Here's what we evaluate when testing robot mowers:

• Maximum capacity: Robot mowers run on an integrated, rechargeable battery. This means that they may be best suited for lawns of a certain size. Make sure to double-check your robot mower's intended yard size before purchasing.
• Lawn complexity navigation: You should consider your terrain and lawn shape, including the number of obstacles and slopes. This will determine whether you can choose a simple model or one with better maneuverability.
• Cutting width: Due to their construction, robot mowers have much smaller cutting decks than their riding and even push mower counterparts. However, some models have 18- or 20-inch cutting decks, making them efficient choices for larger suburban lawns.
• Controls: Many robot mowers use a mobile app to set schedules, send maintenance reminders, and display information like battery life. 
• Price: Because the technology is fairly new, robot mowers are expensive, often ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. We considered what you get for the price tag and included a budget option.

Some of the most advanced robot mowers on the market include built-in security features, like PIN code protection, alarm systems that activate when the robot is lifted, geofencing capabilities to alert when a mower leaves a designated area, and a cellular connection to locate a stolen mower.  

Though many robot mowers feature a slew of anti-theft measures, these sometimes aren't enough to appease owners, especially after making such a big investment on a device that sits outside. Owners can take some measures into their own hands to protect their robot mowers, like:

• Place the charging station in a discreet area that is out of sight of public areas.
• Anchor the station to the ground or to a fixed structure.
• Use security cameras to surveil the area around your robot mower and charging station. Visible security cameras can deter would-be intruders.

Robot mowers run more often than traditional lawn mowers, depending on the grass growth rate, desired lawn appearance, and seasonal changes. Robot mowers have an array of small blades that mulch grass clippings into small pieces that can return to the soil to fertilize it as it decomposes since they don't pick up grass clippings in their wake.

They're still capable of maintaining a manicured lawn, but they may require running a couple of times a week rather than once a week. My robot mowers typically run on a schedule, so I don't have to worry about the lawn and can always walk out to a checkered or striped lawn. 

If you have hilly terrain, check how the robot mower you're interested in can handle slopes and uneven areas before purchasing it. Many robot mowers, like the AWD Mammotion Luba 2, are designed to handle hills and slopes. 

Check the maximum slope gradient in the device's specifications when shopping for a robot mower. Most models can manage between 20% and 80% slopes, considering that a 100% slope is a 45-degree incline; this translates into 11-38 degrees.