Robot lawn mowers

What Should You Know About Your Yard Before Buying a Robot Lawn Mower?

Published September 23, 2026 · By the BotLineup editors · Prices and specs as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

Start with two numbers: lawn area and the steepest slope. Then look at how much trees and buildings block the sky, whether there are narrow passages or separate patches of lawn, and where the charging station can go. Those answers usually decide the next question for you: a buried boundary wire, or a wire-free mower that uses RTK satellite positioning or cameras.

Measure in the units the spec sheets use

Makers list coverage in acres or square meters and slope in percent or degrees. Measure your lawn and steepest grade the same way so you can compare spec sheets directly. Also check whether the area figure is a maximum or a recommendation. eufy, for example, lists 0.2 acre for the E15 and 0.3 acre for the E18 as recommended mowing sizes.

Yard features that don't show up in square footage

Tall trees or buildings: they block satellite signals and can throw off RTK positioning.
Narrow passages between lawn areas: check the mower's width and whether it can travel between zones.
Separate lawns: look for multi-zone support.
Flower beds, edges, and clutter: see how the mower detects obstacles. Small items may still need to be picked up.

Three ways to set boundaries

The traditional approach is a boundary wire buried around the lawn. RTK systems correct satellite positioning with a reference station or a network feed and follow virtual boundaries to within centimeters. Husqvarna EPOS lets you use the included reference station or, in select areas, receive corrections over the internet. Vision systems use cameras to see where they are. The eufy E15 and E18, using what eufy calls V-FSD, need neither a wire nor RTK.

Some mowers combine approaches. The Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD uses vision plus RTK, drives all four wheels, and is rated for slopes up to 80% (38°).

Write it down, then compare

Note your area, steepest slope, tree cover, narrow passages, number of zones, and possible dock spots. Add who uses the lawn: if children or pets play on it, look for lift and tilt sensors, an obstacle system, a PIN lock, and a schedule that runs when the lawn is empty. With that list, you can compare any brand on the same terms.

Shopping for one? Find a robot mower for your yard →

Sources

We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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