Robotic Mower Buying Guide

Robotic Mower Buying Guide: Find the Right Fit for Your Lawn

Homeowners today have more choices than ever when it comes to lawn care. There are reel mowers, gas push mowers, electric models, zero-turn riders, garden tractors—you name it. Each has its place, but this guide is focused on something different: robotic mowers.

Robotic or autonomous mowers are a total mind shift from traditional mowing. After using one on my own yard, I can honestly say I’d never go back. The time savings are the biggest benefit, but what really surprised me is how much healthier and better-looking my lawn became once I stopped scalping it every week or two.

These mowers run more often and only trim a little at a time, which is exactly what your grass needs. Instead of clumps of dead grass sitting on top of an overgrown yard, you get a clean, even cut that keeps your lawn in top shape. Mine now looks just as good as, or better than, the retired guy next door who mows every few days with his rider.

Sure, it might take the mower most of the day to cover my one-acre yard, but that doesn’t matter—because I’m not the one doing it.

In this guide, we’ll help you choose the right Segway Navimow model for your yard based on real-world conditions. As a local dealer who installs and supports these mowers, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. This advice comes from experience, not just spec sheets.

Navimow handles a wide range of terrain, but not all models are built the same:

• • Gentle slopes (under 30%) → i Series
  • Moderate slopes (up to 45%) → H Series
  • Steep slopes (up to 50%) → X Series

Hills and elevation changes add time to mowing cycles, so larger models often perform better even if your yard isn’t massive.

Pro Tip: Always size up if your yard has slopes, thick grass, multiple zones, or many trees.

If your yard is surrounded by trees, buildings, or other features that can block GPS signal, we strongly recommend the X Series. While the VF (VisionFence) models in the H Series help with obstacle detection and limited visibility, only the X Series includes a Signal Enhancement Antenna—an exclusive feature that makes a noticeable difference in tough environments.

When paired with an optional mounting bracket and second antenna, the X Series can expand signal reach even further. This is especially helpful for yards that are divided, irregular, or heavily shaded by trees and buildings. The system remains stable and reliable even in the rain, making it ideal for complex properties. This setup, available with the Segway Navimow X3 Series, allows for broader coverage, more accurate mapping, and uninterrupted performance when conditions are less than perfect.

Yard Layout: Zones and Driveways

Have multiple patches of grass separated by driveways or sidewalks?

• • Navimow supports multi-zone mowing
  • Create “channels” between zones during setup
  • All models support this, but X Series handles more complex maps efficiently

All Navimow models are extremely quiet. They produce a soft electric hum that you’ll only notice within a few feet of the mower. The first time we saw one in action, we kept asking, “Is it even cutting?”—it’s that quiet. You won’t hear it from across the yard, and it’s a night-and-day difference compared to the roar of a gas mower. Perfect for early mornings, evenings, or any noise-sensitive neighborhood.

Navimow uses wire-free virtual boundaries, so there’s no digging or burying wires required.

• • i Series offers the fastest and most beginner-friendly setup
  • All models are managed through the Navimow app

We offer professional setup and installation services throughout Wisconsin and can guide customers anywhere in the U.S. through their install remotely. Whether you’re setting up a small city lot or a sprawling property, we’re here to help make it easy.

From experience, we’ve found that most installs go smoothly, but a few tweaks are often needed in the first week. The first time we set up a one-acre yard with lots of trees, a pool, and landscaping, we had an X Series mower mapped, set up, and mowing effectively in under an hour. With the right support, it’s a simple and rewarding process.

Good – i Series

• • Lawns from 1/8 to 1/4 acre
  • Price point from $999 to $1299 depending on model
  • Compact, budget-friendly
  • Handles gentle slopes (up to 30%)
  • Best for simple layouts with minimal trees or obstacles

Better – H Series

• • Lawns from 0.2 to 0.74 acres
  • Price point from $1899 to $2599 depending on model
  • Handles moderate slopes (up to 45%)
  • VF models improve obstacle detection and GPS reliability

Best – X Series

• • Lawns from 0.5 to 2.5 acres
  • Price point from $2299 to $4999 depending on model
  • Large, complex, or sloped properties
  • Handles up to 50% slopes
  • Best GPS and obstacle avoidance with EFLS 2.0 and VisionFence
  • Fastest mowing, multi-zone mapping, premium performance

Note from the dealer: The H Series is being phased out in favor of the upcoming H2 Series, which will be faster and easier to install. If you’re between sizes or considering a long-term investment, I’d personally step up to the X Series. You’ll get more power, better GPS, and future-proof performance. We stock mostly X Series here in Wisconsin because they can handle almost anything. From tough terrain to thick grass and tree-heavy layouts, these are the most capable and feature-rich models available.

Navimow performs incredibly well in real yards, but there are a few things worth knowing as you plan your purchase:

• Complex Terrain? The more obstacles, trees, and hills your yard has, the more time and battery it takes to mow. The acreage ratings are based on ideal conditions—basically a flat, square lawn. If your yard is more intricate, we recommend sizing up. You can also break your lawn into multiple zones for more efficient and manageable mowing.
• Thick Grass or Fast Growth? Choose a more powerful model. It’ll get the job done faster and more reliably, especially during peak growing season.
• Hot Weather? Navimow can mow in the heat, but we recommend mowing during cooler hours or using a shaded base station. Even better, check out the Navimow garage accessory, which fits each model and protects the mower from sun and rain. It doesn’t interfere with GPS or connectivity and includes a flip-up cover for easy access.
• Night Mowing? Every model supports nighttime mowing. The X Series includes high-quality LED headlights that make it easier to monitor in low light.
• Need Help? We offer professional setup and service in Wisconsin and remote guidance anywhere in the U.S. Plus, the Navimow app is one of the best in the industry—it walks you through setup step by step and is easy enough for first-time users.
• Want Backup? Local dealers like us don’t just sell the product. We support you long after the sale with real people, real answers, and real service.

• Small, flat yard? i105 or i110
• Mid-size with moderate slope? H1500-VF or H3000-VF X315
• Large, hilly, or complex? X330, X350, or X390

If you’re ever in doubt, go up one model. The added power and speed pays off in long-term performance and fewer mowing issues.

Still not sure? Contact us. We’ll look at your yard on Google Maps and walk you through it step-by-step.