Robot vs cordless vs petrol: which mower type is right for you?
Before you compare models, choose a type. The three mainstream options ask very different things of you — in effort, money and maintenance. Here's how to tell which fits your garden.
Robot — set it and forget it
A robot mows a little and often on its own, keeping the lawn permanently short and healthy. You trade a higher up-front price (and a one-time setup) for getting your weekends back.
- Best for: anyone who'd rather not mow, lawns from tiny to several thousand m², and people currently paying a gardener.
- Watch for: price, and matching navigation and slope rating to your garden.
Is it worth it versus a gardener or your own time? Run the Robot ROI calculator.
Cordless — the modern default
Battery push mowers are quiet, low-maintenance and start at the press of a button. They've become the mainstream choice for typical gardens — the main limit is runtime per charge, which the platform and battery size determine.
- Best for: most small-to-large gardens; anyone who already owns compatible batteries.
- Watch for: battery cost and platform lock-in — choose the ecosystem carefully.
Petrol — power and reach
Petrol still leads where runtime and ruggedness matter most: large, rough or remote lawns with no convenient charging. The cost is noise, fuel and ongoing engine maintenance.
- Best for: big or rural lawns, long or wet grass, off-grid plots.
- Watch for: servicing, fuel handling and weight.
Quick decision guide
| If you… | Consider |
|---|---|
| …don't want to mow at all | Robot |
| …have a typical garden and want simple & quiet | Cordless |
| …have a large, rough or off-grid lawn | Petrol |
| …already own cordless batteries | Cordless (same platform) |
Still unsure? The Garden-Size Mower Matcher narrows it to specific models that fit your lawn in seconds.
Related: running costs compared · how robot mowers navigate.