Wire-free mowers find their way in one of four ways. Only some of them need an internet connection while they mow.
| How it navigates | Needs a connection to mow? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| LiDAR + cameras on the mower | No | Navimow i2 LiDAR, LUBA 3 AWD 1500, ECOVACS GOAT O1200 |
| Your own RTK reference station | No, but the station needs open sky and power | ECOVACS GOAT O800, Husqvarna 450X with EPOS |
| Network RTK (corrections over 4G or Wi-Fi) | Yes, a mobile or Wi-Fi signal at the lawn | LUBA mini 2 1000, Husqvarna NERA |
| Cloud RTK or cameras that rely on Wi-Fi | Yes, Wi-Fi across the lawn | Worx Vision Cloud, Husqvarna Aspire R6V and 312V, eufy E15 (or paid 4G) |
Three questions to ask before you buy
- Does your phone get a usable 4G signal on the lawn? Network RTK models with built-in 4G can work without Wi-Fi, but only with signal.
- Who pays for that 4G after the free period? Navimow states its network RTK data is free. Husqvarna includes 10 years of connectivity. Mammotion says its iNavi positioning stays free for life over 4G, but its UK store still sells £49.90/yr renewals. Until that is confirmed in writing, we count the renewal in the 5-year cost for lawns without Wi-Fi.
- Can you live without the app in the garden? ECOVACS says GOAT mowers can mow from the buttons on the mower without Wi-Fi, but you lose app control.
The garden-fit tool applies all of this to your answers. If you are unsure about your signal, choose a LiDAR model: it does not depend on one.
Ready to choose?
Not sure which fits? Answer a few questions about your lawn or see the best-for lists.