July 16, 2025, 3:35 am | Read time: 4 minutes
A well-maintained lawn without much effort? That’s what manufacturers of robotic mowers promise. In a recent test, 17 models with and without boundary wires were examined in detail. The surprising result: Not only expensive devices deliver precise cuts.
Robotic mowers have been on the market for several years and are intended to simplify gardening. The latest models even work without a boundary wire that must be laid in the ground beforehand. However, there have been recurring safety issues with the devices in the past. In the large comparison test of 2025, COMPUTER BILD (like myHOMEBOOK, part of Axel Springer) took a closer look at 17 robotic mowers—with interesting results. Manufacturers such as Segway, Ecovacs, and Husqvarna were represented.
Segway Impresses Across the Board
The winner in the large comparison was the Segway Navimow—especially the X3 series (e.g., X315, starting at 2,499 euros). It is designed for large areas and offers precise navigation without a boundary wire thanks to GPS, camera, and radio. The robots work systematically and delivered an excellent cutting pattern. Additionally, the Navimow scores with strong safety features. The testers emphasized that the mower recognized garden hoses, hedgehogs, child leg dummies, and even hanging obstacles like swings.
For smaller areas, more affordable alternatives from the same series are available. The i105E (starting at 999 euros) and the i108E reliably mow areas up to 800 square meters—also without a wire. While the X3 series is ideal for large lawns up to 10,000 square meters, the price is hardly justified for average home gardens.
The Top Three Robotic Mowers of 2025 at a Glance
1. Segway Navimow X315E
Advantages:
- Excellent cutting pattern
- Intuitive operation
- High mowing performance at a brisk pace
Disadvantages:
- Expensive with relatively low area performance
2. Segway Navimow H800E
Advantages:
- Without boundary wire
- Effective obstacle detection
- Well-implemented app with map function
Disadvantages:
- Camera only available at an additional cost
- Antenna cable too short
3. Segway Navimow i108E
Advantages:
- Wireless operation
- Very good obstacle detection
- App with customization options
Disadvantages:
- For areas only up to 800 square meters
- 4G function costs extra
With or Without Boundary Wire?
Many affordable robotic mowers still require a boundary wire that must be laid in the garden. This creates a magnetic field that signals the robot’s working boundaries. This can even run a few centimeters below the surface. Smart alternatives like the Segway models navigate completely wirelessly—via GPS, radio, and camera.
By the way: While the COMPUTER BILD test focused on more expensive models, there are also low-budget devices on the market. myHOMEBOOK has already tested two affordable robotic mowers.
Safety Check in Practical Use
A major criticism of robotic mowers remains safety. For this reason, the mowers should always be operated under supervision. Just last year, Stiftung Warentest once again uncovered significant safety gaps. COMPUTER BILD therefore tested how well the robots detect obstacles. The models from Segway, Dreame (A2), Eufy, and some devices from Mammotion and Ecovacs were particularly convincing: The cameras detected not only people and objects but also smaller animals like hedgehogs.
Wired models and the mower from Husqvarna performed worse. They ran over cables and objects or pushed them ahead. For example, Bosch’s shoes ended up under the blades. At Yard Force, Husqvarna, the Ecovacs LiDAR A3000, and the Dreame A1, even a child leg dummy was detected—a high risk that could only be mitigated by the emergency stop switch and lift sensors.
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How the Test Was Conducted
The test was not conducted in a lab but on a 100-square-meter test field in Hamburg. Each model was allowed to mow for four weeks, with larger robots even up to 800 square meters. The mowing times were programmed via the respective app.
Pay Close Attention to Safety
“Segway performed particularly well in the COMPUTER BILD test—specifically with the X3 series for large areas and the i-models for smaller gardens. Those seeking maximum safety and precise cutting without a boundary wire will find it here. But other manufacturers like Eufy and Dreame are catching up—especially in safety features. Nevertheless, the general safety issue with mowers has not yet been fully resolved. Households with children or pets should pay special attention.”