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A robot lawn mower is quite an expensive purchase, and one that shouldn't be made lightly. There are multiple factors to consider before you choose a robot mower, beyond the brand's claims of keeping your yard trim and tidy. From your yard layout to the navigation type, robot lawn mowers are not created equal.

I've been testing robot lawn mowers for about three years now, since they became widely popular. In that time, I've learned the ins and outs of how robot mowers operate, what sets them apart, and what you need to know before committing to a model.

Robot lawn mowers are designed and built for very specific purposes and circumstances, so it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. I'll go exactly what will help you determine if a specific model is right for your yard, so you can consider this a checklist.