Our gardens are constantly changing – from the lush, fast-growing jungle of spring to the dry, stressed grass of summer and the sparse, dormant lawns of winter. Whatever the season brings, the best robot lawn mowers keep your grass trimmed, healthy and looking its best with minimal effort, taking care of the routine maintenance so you don’t have to.
The sheer volume of options reflects just how popular these machines have become, and for good reason. Once set up, they tackle mowing with ease and even dispose of the cuttings.
There are numerous factors to consider when investing, from technologies to techniques and impact on wildlife. Armed with expert advice, I’ve tested robot mowers for every budget and garden size. Some are surprisingly easy to set up, while others impress with AI-equipped cameras which help detect animals and Ultrasonic technologies.
Grass clippings are one of the biggest differences between traditional and robot mowing. While a conventional mower often requires collecting and disposing of cuttings, robot mowers work on a “little and often” basis, leaving fine clippings behind to break down and return nutrients to the soil. As Joe Chuter from mower manufacturer Worx explains, “the fine clippings break down quickly, nutrients are returned to the soil, soil moisture is better conserved, disposal of grass clippings is unnecessary.”
Best robot lawnmowers at a glance
Best overall – Segway Navimow i2 series (208 LiDAR): £1,099, Navimow.com
Best value-for-money model – LawnMaster OcuMow 16, £299, Cleva-uk.com
Best for edges – Ecovacs Goat O1200: £499, Ecovacs.com
Best easy-to-use model – Worx Landroid WR318E/WR330E: £1,449, Amazon.co.uk
Best for small gardens – Eufy C15: £999, Eufy.com
Mowing frequency changes with the seasons – from several times a week during peak growth to stopping completely in winter – but weather conditions should always guide the schedule. Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen, known as Dr Hedgehog, also highlights the importance of avoiding use if juvenile hedgehogs are present.
Indeed, manufacturers are keen to highlight their ongoing commitment to the well-being of wildlife – all have guidelines and advice to ensure that the robot mower is used in harmony with the environment.
Whichever model you choose, the same rules apply: mow little and often, adjust schedules to the weather, maintain the blades and avoid running the machine at night (always think of the wildlife, as they will support your garden).
The biggest reasons to buy a robot mower are simple: saving time and achieving a consistent finish. I’ve tested each model to see how well it cuts, reaches edges, avoids flower beds, and how much maintenance it requires, as lawns have shifted from lush spring growth to dry summer conditions.
How I tested
I tested each robot mower on a 288m² lawn in early summer, beginning with a traditional mow to create consistent conditions. Every model was assessed on setup, app usability, mapping, navigation, obstacle and wildlife detection, cutting performance, edge accuracy, noise, maintenance, security and running costs.
I also evaluated performance in changing conditions, from lush June grass to a heatwave-dried lawn, and simulated rain to test water detection. Real-world trials included slopes, uneven ground, moving obstacles and fallen apples, alongside power consumption and battery efficiency, with each mower completing both dedicated test plots and the full lawn.
Read more: Best garden vacuums, tried and tested for a spotless outdoor space
Segway Navimow i2 series (208 LiDAR)
★★★★★
Best: Overall robot lawnmower
What we love: Solid design, simple setup, and superb cut
Take note: Expensive, Mapping is slow
The Segway Navimow’s understated design is lifted by bright orange wheels and a practical carry handle, making the 14.7kg mower easy to move when needed. Setup was among the simplest tested, taking just four and a half minutes, with clear instructions and a straightforward app experience.
Mapping is completed by manually guiding the mower around the garden using the app, with saved maps easily edited or expanded. Useful features include adjustable cutting heights, different work modes, and the ability to gradually lower the cut for a more even finish.
Battery performance was good, although the 288m² lawn required two runs with a recharge in between. Object detection was excellent, avoiding everything from dogs to fallen apples, while the night mode adds extra wildlife protection.
The standout feature is the cutting quality. The six-blade system delivered a noticeably cleaner, more precise finish than three-blade rivals; even in standard mode, the mowing pattern is precise with no areas missed. It left me with one of the best-looking lawns in the test.
Buy now £1099.00, Navimow.com
LawnMaster OcuMow 16
★★★☆☆
Best: Value-for-money robot lawnmower
What we love: Small, set down and mow, and easy to use
Take note: Cutting pattern is random and misses parts in larger gardens
The Lawnmaster is in a league of its own for simplicity, taking less than three minutes to unbox, insert the battery, and start mowing. With no app, mapping, or charging station, it is essentially a small robot mower that can be switched on and left to roam.
At just 6.6kg, it is the lightest mower tested. Its compact design uses two drive wheels and a small rear wheel for quick turns, but when the battery runs low, it must be collected and charged separately. The 4,000mAh battery charged in around 90 minutes and delivered the standout feature: up to four hours of mowing time.
Controls are minimal, with a simple button interface and a top-mounted dial for height adjustment. Testing started at 60mm before dropping to 20mm, which produced impressively low tracks across the lawn.
Unlike the other mowers, the Lawnmaster was allowed to roam freely using random or spiral cutting modes, with Optical Grass Recognition helping it navigate. The cut quality was surprisingly good, although its random approach makes it best suited to smaller enclosed gardens.
Wildlife detection was a highlight, with sensitive cameras stopping the mower when obstacles were detected, including fallen apples.
Buy now £299.99, Cleva-uk.com
Ecovacs Goat O1200
★★★★☆
Best: Robot lawnmower for edge cutting
What we love: Solid performance, excellent security, and best edge cutting
Take note: Requires good Wifi initially
The Ecovacs Goat O1200 is one of the most stylish mowers tested, offering many premium features at a slightly lower price. Setup took around six and a half minutes, with only minor adjustments needed to position the base station for a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Its futuristic design and 13kg weight make it easy to move, although the lack of a dedicated carry handle is noticeable. Initial mapping requires manually guiding the mower around the garden, similar to a radio-controlled car, before the LiDAR system takes over. While this process takes longer than some rivals, the resulting map is detailed and easily edited.
Testing started with a 60mm cut before gradually lowering to 40mm. The three-blade cutting disc is paired with a strimmer-style edge trimmer, which delivered the best border performance of the group. The angled trimmer avoided damaging plants while getting close to edges, although some areas around objects needed repeat passes.
Wildlife protection is also a strength, with no-mow-at-night and dedicated wildlife modes.
Buy now £499.00, Ecovacs.com
LUBA mini 2 AWD 1500 (Mammotion, 4WD)
★★★★☆
Best: Robot lawnmower for uneven gardens
What we love: Feature-packed, Easy setup, and great for inclines
Take note: Heavy and quirky design
Looking like a cross between a micro Formula One car and a go-kart, the Luba is an instantly impressive machine, although its 15kg weight makes it one of the heaviest tested. Setup was straightforward, taking just over eight minutes, with the bright yellow carry handles making it easier to move.
The 6,100mAh battery took just over two hours to fully charge, providing a similar amount of cutting time. Mapping is one of the Luba’s standout features: using cameras and LiDAR, it automatically creates an accurate garden map with no need for manual guidance. While the process took over an hour in testing, it required no supervision and delivered excellent edge accuracy.
The Mammotion app is packed with features, offering extensive control over cutting heights, zones, schedules and mowing modes. The dedicated edge cutter made a noticeable difference, while the six-blade cutting disc delivered a consistently high-quality finish.
The biggest advantage is its AWD system, allowing it to handle uneven ground with ease. Although it lacks dedicated wildlife features, night mowing can be disabled. Overall, the Luba Mini 2 combines excellent cutting performance with impressive control and capability.
Buy now £1699.00, Mammotion.com
Worx Landroid WR318E/WR330E
★★★★☆
Best: Easy-to-use robot lawnmower
What we love: Robust design, easy to use, and decent edge cut
Take note: Needs initial good wifi, and large
The Worx Landroid Vision looks more like a piece of agricultural machinery than a lawn mower, combining the appearance of a quad bike with an armoured vehicle. Despite its size, the robust build was surprisingly easy to carry and feels designed to handle life outdoors.
One of only two models tested with a removable battery, it uses Worx’s wider garden battery system, allowing a spare 2,500mAh battery to be swapped in if needed. Setup took around six and a half minutes, although connecting the app required moving the mower closer to the house. It also features free lifetime 4G connectivity, although signal availability can vary.
Auto-mapping is a standout feature, with the mower creating an accurate garden map after two attempts. It reached further under hedges than most rivals, although it was less delicate around some edges. The three-blade cutting disc and two-blade edge trimmer delivered a strong finish, with adjustments made through the app.
The Vision system is the highlight, using cameras and sensors to improve safety. Daylight mowing is the default, with dedicated hedgehog protection mode available. Once connected, the Worx proved to be one of the most consistent and configurable mowers tested.
Buy now £1449.00, Amazon.co.uk
Eufy C15 robot lawnmower
★★★★☆
Best: Robot lawnmower for small gardens
What we love: Great design, hassle-free, and easy to map
Take note: Lighter weight
The compact Eufy C15 quickly became one of the most surprising mowers in the test. Many people commented on its Sinclair C5-like appearance, and at just 10kg it is one of the lightest models, making it exceptionally easy to move around the garden.
Its biggest strength is simplicity. Setup took just over five minutes, and unlike many rivals, it simply worked without needing constant adjustment. The 4,200mAh battery charged from around 10 per cent in roughly 90 minutes, providing a similar mowing time before returning to the base station and continuing later.
Height adjustment is refreshingly straightforward, using a dial on top of the machine rather than an app. It offers one of the lowest cuts tested, down to 20mm, although the uneven lawn meant testing started at 60mm before dropping to 40mm.
Automatic mapping was accurate, and the app provided plenty of control when adjustments were needed. Underneath, the three-blade cutting disc has no dedicated edge trimmer, but the compact design allowed it to perform better around edges than expected.
While it lacks a dedicated wildlife mode, animal detection adds an extra layer of reassurance. Overall, the Eufy impressed through its ease of use, capable performance, and fuss-free approach.
Buy now £999.00, Eufy.com
Dreame A2 robot lawnmower
★★★★☆
Best: Advanced robot lawnmower
What we love: Great security, onboard control, and excellent cut
Take note: Heavy and hard to carry, and overly glossy design
The Dreame A2 is the most futuristic-looking mower in the test and one of the most security-focused. Setup took around six minutes, although its 16.3kg weight made moving it between gardens less convenient due to the lack of a dedicated handle. Despite this, the build quality feels extremely robust.
The 5,000mAh battery charged in just over an hour and provided a similar mowing duration. Setup is straightforward, and the Dreamehome app will feel familiar to anyone already using the company’s robot vacuums and household devices.
Mapping is fully automatic, with LiDAR creating an impressively accurate garden layout. During testing, the mower maintained excellent positioning and delivered consistent cutting patterns. Blade height is adjusted digitally through the app, while a built-in screen and control panel allow settings to be changed directly on the machine.
Security is another strength, with a four-digit lock code required for adjustments or use in another location. The three-blade cutting disc produced a clean finish, helped by the mower’s weight and precise adjustments.
Although there is no dedicated wildlife mode, night mowing can be disabled, and the advanced sensors and cameras reliably avoided obstacles such as fallen apples.
Buy now £869.00, Amazon.co.uk
What is the best robot lawnmower?
Ultimately, the best robot lawn mower is the one that suits your lawn, budget and willingness to spend time on setup. The Segway Navimow i2 delivered the strongest overall combination of design, mapping and cutting quality, while the Mammotion LUBA mini 2 and Worx handled uneven ground with ease, and the Ecovacs Goat O1200, eufy C15 and Dreame A2 were all solid performers.
Simpler models, such as the LawnMaster OcuMow 16, also showed that useful automation doesn't always require the highest price, especially if you’re in a small, confined space. These mowers can save time and improve lawn condition; the most important tips are to spend time on setup, be mindful of their use, and use them responsibly. Most importantly, leaving some areas uncut and considering hedgehogs and other wildlife should be an important part of every mowing routine.
Experts explain lawn care and robot mowers
Meet the experts: Worx (Joe Chuter, Positec), eufy (Mariam Shahid, Anker) and Segway Navimow (Zhang)
What is the best time of day to mow?
Late morning, once the dew has burned off, is recommended by Mariam from eufy: "dry grass cuts more cleanly and is less likely to clog the mower." Joe at Worx highlights "late morning to early evening, once any overnight dew has dried but before the sun begins to set to help avoid insufficient light errors", a real issue for camera-guided machines. In a heatwave, eufy suggests shifting later, to "the late afternoon once temperatures have eased."
From talking with local gardeners and owners, it was apparent that keeping an eye on conditions is the best idea: set the mower for late morning to early evening, but if it rains, stop, and if it’s full midday sun, wait until the temperature has cooled.
Does it matter if it runs overnight?
Worx and eufy both raised wildlife as a definite no-mow at night point, echoing the work of Dr Rasmussen. Worx specifically commented, "Many hedgehogs and other small mammals are most active from dusk through dawn, so it's generally recommended to schedule mowing during daylight hours rather than overnight." It lists night running among common owner mistakes, for "increasing the chance of encounters with nocturnal wildlife." eufy: "try not to mow at dawn, dusk or night, when wildlife is most active."
How often should it run, and how does that change with the seasons?
Little and often, depending on the size of your lawn. Mariam at eufy suggests two to four cuts a week in spring and early autumn, "four to seven times a week" at the May–June peak, three to six times a week in high summer, and that winter "can usually be paused altogether." Worx sizes it to the machine: "for a lawn of 300m2 it is recommended to operate the mower three times per week. Navimow goes further than either, advising owners to "run it for 3-6 hours a day, 7 days a week for light, frequent cuts", scaling back "by 20-30 per cent in heatwaves and 40-50 per cent in drought." All warn against a fixed schedule that never alters; eufy calls "sticking to a fixed mowing routine regardless of the weather" the single biggest mistake, and Navimow flags that the factory settings "might not be best for your lawn, time of year or grass type."
During autumn, Navimow offers the most practical steer: "Let the mower handle sparse leaves, blow or rake moderate patches, and pause mowing during heavy leaf drop."
Cutting height?
Worx and eufy agree that "around 40–50 mm provides a good balance between appearance and resilience" (Worx), rising to "50–60 mm during drought or very hot weather." eufy adds the old rule of thumb, "avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade in a single cut." Navimow recommends considerably longer grass, and ties it to grass type: "for cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass, aim for 3-3.5 inches and raise to 4 in peak summer", or 76–89mm rising to 100mm, with warm-season grasses cut shorter at 1.5–2.5 inches. In summer, it suggests raising the height "to 7-8cm". If growth is outpacing the mower, Worx says run it more rather than cut lower: "it's generally better to increase operating time rather than lowering the cutting height."
How much lawn should I leave uncut for wildlife?
Somewhere between a tenth and a fifth. Worx: "many conservation organisations recommend leaving 10–20 per cent of the garden unmown where space allows", boundary strips, patches under trees, "corners allowed to grow naturally." eufy goes to the top of that range, citing Butterfly Conservation: "leaving around 20 per ceny of your lawn uncut throughout the year can make a real difference," providing habitat "for butterflies, moths and caterpillars." Navimow makes the same case without a percentage: "deliberately leave a corner of the lawn unmown" because "taller growth shelters useful insects", and points out the practical route: "with a robotic mower, you can easily set up a no-go zone for this in the app." All stress a small patch still counts, which again reflects some of the comments from Dr Rasmussen.
Where should the base station go?
A level site, with power, well-drained, and a clear run to the lawn. Worx: leave "adequate straight clearance in front of the charging station," and avoid "areas prone to flooding or where sprinklers regularly soak the charger." eufy highlights what to steer clear of: "tight corners, steep slopes, loose gravel or waterlogged ground, as these can make docking less reliable." Navimow comments were very apt for now with the present heat wave: "under partial shade in hot climates to protect the battery from extreme heat", and letting a new machine "settle for 30 minutes to a few hours before mapping."
What do owners most commonly get wrong?
Cutting too low, too late; this was one of my early mistakes. eufy: "One of the most common mistakes can be to set the cutting height too low or leave the mower too long between cuts." Worx's list runs longer, and includes "expecting the mower to clear long or overgrown grass, it's designed to maintain an already-cut lawn", along with not cleaning grass from around the cutting disc and wheels, and "forgetting to update software when improvements become available." Navimow points to over-fussy mapping: "One common mistake is marking out each and every no-go zone. The mowers are smart enough to navigate round trees on their own, but it's best to mark out bigger areas like pools and vegetable gardens." This advice actually makes sense as I ran through the mapping process with all bar one of the robot mowers.
Does the mulching really feed the lawn?
At the start of the test, this was one of my biggest questions: what happens to the cuttings and is it good for the lawn? All say yes. Worx: "Overall, the horticultural evidence supports the benefits of frequent robotic mowing"; clippings break down fast; "nutrients are returned to the soil, soil moisture is better conserved," and over time it "can reduce the need for nitrogen fertiliser." eufy: "the fine clippings quickly break down and return nutrients to the soil, naturally feeding the lawn." Navimow puts numbers to it, claiming mulching "reduces the need for fertiliser by 25-30 per cent" and lets you "reduce weekly watering by 10-20 per cent." All note it only works if the mower is trimming small amounts regularly, not tackling long grass.
Doesn't all that mulching cause thatch and moss?
This is a question that was highlighted by some of the gardeners I spoke to. Worx: "Under normal conditions, robotic mowers do not usually create excessive thatch," since thatch comes "mainly from slowly decomposing stems and roots rather than fine grass clippings." eufy: "Despite popular belief, mulching with a robot mower shouldn't cause thatch." Navimow agrees that "regular mulching of small clippings shouldn't cause excessive thatch, as they decompose quickly", adding that where problems do appear "it helps to aerate the lawn annually." Same on moss, Worx says it's "usually associated with shade, poor drainage, compacted soil and low fertility"; eufy blames "shade, waterlogged soil, acidic conditions or cutting the lawn too short"; Navimow simply advises ensuring "proper lawn drainage and sunlight." Essentially, get the foundations of your lawn right; the robot mowers can’t fix everything.
Will it deal with weeds?
With plenty of weeds across the lawn, this question was filled with hope. Worx: "frequent mowing can weaken many upright broadleaf weeds by preventing flowering and repeated leaf production. However, it is not a complete weed control method"; anything flat survives, "such as clover, daisies or plantain." eufy agrees that "low-growing weeds that sit below the cutting height can still persist." Navimow is the most optimistic, saying the "little and often" approach "weakens weeds by constant cutting", though it too highlights you'll need help, recommending you "pair this with pre-emergent treatment twice a year plus weekly spot-treatment for the best results." The real benefit is indirect: Worx: "a consistently mown lawn maintained at an appropriate height is usually denser and more competitive against weeds."
Can a robot mower spread lawn disease?
Yes, like any mower. eufy: "A robot mower can spread fungal spores or diseased plant material if it's used on an infected lawn." Worx says the same and adds a mitigation: "keeping blades sharp and avoiding mowing when grass is heavily waterlogged helps reduce risk", plus the observation that light, frequent cutting "generally causes less plant stress than infrequent, severe mowing." Navimow makes the case that robots are actually the safer option here, "cutting cleanly, reducing the tear-and-bruise damage that can spread disease in traditional mowing", while still advising you "avoid mowing overly wet grass to minimise any risk." It also argues frequent light mowing "builds denser turf that's more resistant to pests, disease, and environmental stress." All recommend cleaning the underside, wheels and blades, and all manufacturers highlight this in the instructions.
How often do blades need replacing?
Advice varies, but eufy says to “replace blades after around 240 hours of operation." Worx gives calendar time: "typically every 1–3 months during the growing season, although sandy soils, twigs and stones can shorten blade life considerably," and says to "replace all blades together to maintain balance." Navimow simply says "blades should be replaced when they become dull or damaged", and points to the culprit: "items like larger pinecones or sticks can chip or dull blades over time, so it's best to clear large debris regularly." All say change them sooner if bent, chipped or blunt, and eufy gives us a tip as to when to spot that the blades need a change: "ragged, pale or brown tips on the grass after mowing."
Does anything need oiling or greasing?
No, and all three warn against it. Worx: "there are no routine oiling or greasing requirements for the mower's drive system. The wheel motors, cutting motor and bearings are sealed," and lubricant near the disc or wheels only "attracts dirt and debris." eufy: owners "shouldn't apply lubricants unless specifically advised to do so by eufy support." Navimow says the i208 LiDAR "doesn't require any specific greasing or oiling", but suggests one job in its place: "always keep an eye out for any loose nuts or bolts."
How do I put it away for winter?
As all manufacturers state that the lawn should be left in the winter months, I asked about best practice for storage. Clean it, check the blades, charge it, bring it indoors. Worx: thoroughly clean, replace worn blades, "fully charge the battery before storage," and keep it "in a dry, frost-free location," topping the battery up "every few months during winter." eufy specifies a number: charge "to at least 85 per cent before switching it off", and store the charging station indoors too. Navimow ties the decision to the weather rather than the calendar, stop "when overnight temperatures consistently drop below freezing and grass stops growing”, and is blunt about the limits: "the mowers aren't intended to be used on frosted grass, snow, or ice." eufy's spring restart: check for new obstacles, clean the contacts, update the firmware, and "start with a slightly higher cutting height for the first few mows.”
Why trust me?
I’ve been reviewing photography and tech gear for over 20 years, checking to see if the manufacturer's claims reflect the real-world performance. Through this test, I've sought out experts in lawn care, including local landscape gardeners and the manufacturers of the robot mowers on test, who have shared their insights on these machines and how best to place and use them.
I’ve also spoken to Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen, also known as Dr Hedgehog, about the impact on wildlife. Her advice is refreshingly simple: "Only let it run during daylight hours, and if you can avoid it, stop it from running at all" while juvenile hedgehogs are about. And asked what happens when a robot mower approaches a hedgehog, "The majority stayed in an upright position facing the approaching mower with their heads folded inwards, or ran away."
Researching and using this selection of robot lawn mowers has been fascinating, and when used properly, they can improve the quality of your lawns. Just be considerate of the wildlife that shares your space.
Read more: Best electric lawn mowers 2026, tried and tested for all budgets
