Wondering if the tech world is moving too fast? Today, technologies like self-driving cars and AI automation are making all the headlines. However, some innovations, such as remote control lawn mowers, are getting on with their jobs efficiently and silently. These machines are increasingly becoming popular among gardeners and homeowners looking for more efficient and less energy-intensive ways to trim grass. So, we set out to test several models and list the best RC lawn movers that money can buy in 2025 and beyond. Read on to know our top picks!
What is a Remote Control Lawn Mower?
As the name hints, a remote control lawn mower is a self-propelled mower that uses a remote control. In other words, you can grab a chair and control this type of mover without pushing it around your property. The hands-free design of these battery-operated lawn movers makes them ideal for reaching challenging terrains when cutting grass.
For example, you may want to mow a property with trees with low-hanging limbs. In that case, an RC lawn mower can mow the areas that a typical hand-driven machine would struggle to reach. These mowers often use zero-turn wheels or caterpillar tracks to give them more reach and precise cutting than manual mowers.
Below are some of the benefits of using remote control lawn movers:
- Convenience: This is the most visible benefit of RC lawn movers. These machines can cut grass in challenging areas or terrains without human involvement. You only have to press the remote and let the lawn mower do all the donkey work.
- Multi-Directional Mowing: Another benefit of remote control lawn mowers is that they can mow in all directions with minimal or zero repositioning. These machines can mow in all directions around obstacles like trees and rocks.
- Enhanced Safety: If you want to cut grass in steep hills and slopes, safety should be your primary concern. Traditional mowers can tip and fall over, causing accidental falls. Thankfully, RC lawn movers allow operators to mow hard-to-reach areas remotely.
- Cost-Efficient: As expected, remote control lawn movers are battery-driven. You can mow a large area in your property with just a single charge. This makes them more pocket-friendly compared to gas-propelled lawn mowers.
- Latest Technologies: Some modern designs use revolutionary technologies to make work easier. For example, you can find an RC lawn mower with 3D cameras to map your property for more hands-free experiences.
Remember, RC movers also come with a few drawbacks. First, you must investigate the terrain before sending out the lawn mower. In fact, you may need to walk next to it to get the best results. In addition, these mowers are designed to cut tough grass and handle challenging terrains. This may make them less desirable when dealing with flat or even lawns.
How much is a remote control lawn mower?
As mentioned earlier, remote control lawn movers can be pricy due to the tech involved in developing these machines. On average, the price of RC lawn mowers may vary between $1,000 and $3,500. Some commercial-grade models can even exceed $5,000. Therefore, they may not be a great investment for casual home use.
You can find some basic models for anything less than $1,000, which is still higher than what a traditional lawn mower would cost. Such models are best for small-to-medium-sized lawns, reaching 0.25 acres. Overall, the price may vary depending on the size, manufacturer, and features. Be sure to check the features before forking out top dollar on an RC lawn mower.
Remote Control Lawn Mowers vs Other Types of Lawn Mowers
Now we know a thing or six about remote control lawn mowers and how they work. Next, let’s take this guide a notch higher by highlighting the differences between remote control lawn mowers and other types of mowers.
Remote Control Lawn Mower vs Traditional Lawn Mower
A traditional lawn mower is a gas-powered machine that uses petrol or diesel. These machines were invented in 1902 and are the most widespread lawn mowers today. They use a 4-stroke or 2-stroke internal combustion engine to rotate the blade and cut grass. Just think of it as a vehicle or motorbike engine.
So, which is better, gas or remote control lawn mowers? First, gas lawn mowers come with cheaper upfront costs. You can get a standard option for as little as $200. They are generally easy to find in the market, including at your next-door store. However, the upfront cost of refilling the tank will be higher in the long run compared to remote control mowers.
You may also want to consider RC lawn mowers if you have environmental and noise concerns. Today, some states, including California, are banning gas-powered outdoor tools to curb noise and environmental pollution. If you live in any of these areas, the government has already made a decision for you.
There’s also a decent argument made for RC lawn mowers when it comes to hands-free usage. To get the job done, you only have to press buttons on your remote controller for these mowers. Traditional lawn mowers, on the other hand, will need you to use energy to push and control their direction. So, older persons may want to consider RC lawn mowers.
However, some studies suggest that gas-powered lawn mowers outdo their remote control counterparts when it comes to even cutting. Maybe that’s because of the hands-on experience when using these mowers. Still, you can easily find a battery-powered RC lawn mower that can match the best gas-driven machines.
Remote Control Lawn Mower vs Robot Lawn Mower
So, how do RC lawn mowers stack up against robotic lawn mowers? For starters, robot lawn mowers use wireless GPS and sensor technologies to navigate your lawn. This provides users with automated navigation, as you don’t need a remote to control the machine. You don’t even have to be present when these machines mow your lawn.
RC and robot lawn mowers also score high marks from our editors when it comes to safety features. These machines come with ultrasonic sensors to prevent accidental collisions that may damage your mover or hurt your pets. However, robot lawn mowers can also house anti-theft sensors for added security.
Cost is another factor when choosing between these two lawn-mowing technologies. RC lawn mowers are the more affordable options in this case, costing between $1,000 and $5,000. Conversely, autonomous lawn mowers can have high initial costs reaching $10,000, depending on the model.
RC lawn mowers are not only cheaper than robot options but also deliver slightly better performance. They generate more power, allowing them to navigate and cut thick grass more effectively. However, robot lawn mowers can work continuously and independently, making them a more convenient option.
Best Robot Lawn Mowers with RC Features
We can all agree that RC lawn mowers are worth the money. They offer the powerful mowing efficiency of traditional lawn mowers and the automated capabilities of robot lawn mowers. So, below, we want to identify some top robot lawn mowers with RC features for efficient and effective cleaning of your compound.
eufy Robot Lawn Mower E18
This eufy robot lawn mower should be your best friend if you want to mow your lawn without doing much. In just 15 minutes, you can set up the eufy E18 Robot Lawn Mower and let it cut your grass as you do other things. Instead of using a bulky remote to control this mower, you can control it manually from the companion eufy app, just as you would steer an RC or gas-driven lawn mower.
It houses front-facing HD cameras, reducing the need for boundary wires. The eufy E18 also packs 8-inch cutting blades for sharper turns compared to traditional mowers that often have 20-plus-inch widths. This robot lawn mower is also quieter than conventional push mowers at about 56 decibels. That way, you can watch a movie or listen to music as it goes about its duties.
Key features:
- Wireless design thanks to the pure vision FSD technology with HD cameras and intelligent algorithms.
- Rugged wheel design that can effectively handle challenging terrains and provide 40% incline slopes in your backyard.
- Convenient app controls like choosing the grass height and adding zones to avoid collision.
- The battery provides up to 110 minutes of run time, enough to clear small-to-medium spaces with a single charge.
- It has a convenient rain sensor and an inbuilt Air Tab slot for added security.
eufy Robot Lawn Mower E15
The eufy 15 Robot Lawn Mower is the younger sibling of the e18. This means you can spend less on this model while enjoying almost similar capabilities. According to eufy, setting up the E15 should take less than 5 minutes. It doesn’t have any boundary wires or satellite positioning. Instead, the front-facing LIDAR cameras and sensors can map your lawn for effective navigation.
Note that there are a few differences between the eufy E15 and E18. For example, the recommended mowing size for the eufy 15 is 0.20 acres, whereas the E18 can do 0.30 acres with a single charge. For this reason, you may want to consider the E18 model for mowing larger lawns and other spaces. Still, the E15 is a top choice for your routine mowing schedules.
Key features:
- Silent operation with a noise level of 56 decibels for peace of mind, as it cleans your lawn.
- IPX6 waterproof rating and rain sensors to protect your precious lawn mower from getting wet.
- It provides up to a 40% incline slope for effectively handling challenging terrains in your property.
- It gives 90 to 110 minutes of charge time, allowing extensive use before returning to the base station to recharge.
- A 3D perception system that allows it to detect obstacles accurately and prevent collisions or accidents.
The Summing Up
Now you clearly understand what a remote control lawn mower is and how it compares to other alternatives. Unlike the traditional gas-driven lawn mowers, RC lawn mowers are more cost-effective in the long term while providing precise cutting efficiency.
Impressively, some options, such as the eufy E18 and E15, use modern technologies to provide the best of both RC and robot lawn mower worlds. The time is right to say goodbye to the traditional way of mowing your compound.
FAQs
How much is a remote control lawn mower?
Depending on the features and brand, a remote control lawn mower can cost between $1,000 and $5,000. While this is significantly higher than what traditional lawn mowers cost, it’s lower compared to robot lawn mowers. You can enjoy the capabilities of RC lawn mowers and robot lawn movers with the pocket-friendly options listed in this guide.
Can I DIY a remote control lawn mower at home?
You’ll need lots of mechanical skills, electronics, and capital to create a remote control lawn mower at home. Most designers start by adding push motors and RC controllers to traditional push mowers. However, there are many technicalities involved that may cost you time and money. Still, it can be a good project for hobbyists.