Wire-free robot mowers promise no boundary wire, but your garden decides how well they work. This checklist uses an independent German test, credited below, and applies it to a real brand.
1. Check lawn size and slope against the specs
The netzwelt test of the Anthbot M9 notes the M9 is specified for up to 900 m² and a 45% slope, but that it sometimes got stuck on uneven slopes. Treat slope ratings as upper limits and consider unevenness, not only steepness.
2. Think about satellite signal
The same test says RTK navigation can be disturbed by trees or buildings. If your lawn is under tree cover or beside tall walls, look for a model with extra sensors and read tests on similar gardens.
3. Plan for the edges
The test notes the mower has no special edge function, so edges it cannot reach must be trimmed by hand. Ask whether a model has edge cutting if your lawn has tight borders.
4. Test obstacle detection claims
The reviewer found obstacle detection reliable, but tall grass could trigger a false alarm. Check how the app lets you handle alerts and how often you will need to intervene.
5. Read refund and warranty terms
Look for the return window, whether refunds carry a transaction fee, who pays return shipping and whether the warranty is valid only in the country of purchase.
An example: checking a brand against the list
In our Anthbot review we applied these questions. The brand offers a 30-day return and a 3-year warranty, but charges a 3 to 4% refund fee and the warranty is country-bound.
A note on the sources
netzwelt disclosed that the manufacturer loaned the test unit. We wrote this article in our own words. Some links to brands on this site are affiliate links; see our affiliate disclosure.