Husqvarna Automower vs Segway Navimow

The short version

Both brands make capable robots, so the choice is less about which is better and more about how you want to install, run and service the mower. The table below sums up the general differences between the two ranges. Individual models vary, so treat it as a starting point and check the exact specification of the model you are looking at.

See our wire-free robot mower picks →

How each one finds the edge of the lawn

A classic Automower follows a boundary wire pegged round the lawn. The charging station sends a signal along the wire and the mower turns when it detects it. This works in almost any garden, including under trees and next to tall houses, because it does not depend on the sky. The downside is the installation work and the risk of cutting the wire with an edging tool or spade.

Husqvarna's EPOS models drop the wire and use RTK satellite positioning instead. A reference station sends corrections so the mower can place itself to within a few centimetres, and you draw the boundary in the app. Some newer Husqvarna models add cameras for object detection, as the Automower models compared guide shows.

Navimow uses the same basic idea as EPOS: RTK positioning from a small antenna you place in the garden, with a camera that helps the mower keep its position and spot obstacles where the satellite signal is weak. You set the boundary by driving the mower round the edge with your phone or by letting the app suggest one, depending on the model. Our explainer on how robot mowers navigate covers the methods in more detail.

Setup effort and who does it

Setup is where the two brands differ most in practice. A wired Automower needs the wire laid, pegged or buried, joined and tested, which is a half day to a full day of work on a typical back garden. Many owners pay a Husqvarna dealer to do it, and the dealer can also advise on the right model for the lawn.

A Navimow is meant to be set up by the owner. You choose a spot for the antenna with a wide view of the sky, connect the mower to the app, map the boundary and add no-go zones round beds, ponds and play equipment. On an open lawn this can be done in an afternoon. In a garden with tall hedges, large trees or close neighbouring houses you may need to move the antenna or accept some weak signal spots.

1. 1

   Measure the lawn with our lawn area calculator and pick a model rated comfortably above it.

2. 2

   Walk the garden and note tall trees, walls and narrow side passages that could block satellites.

3. 3

   Decide whether you want to install it yourself or have a dealer do it.

4. 4

   For a wire-free robot, read our guide on setting up a wire-free robot mower before you buy.

Lawn size, slopes and complex gardens

Both ranges cover small lawns through to large ones, with the rated area rising with the model number. Rated area assumes an open lawn and the full run hours the maker allows, so a lawn split into zones by paths or beds needs more headroom. Choosing a model rated around a fifth above your measured area is a sensible rule of thumb.

Slope ratings differ by model rather than by brand, so check the figure for the exact model. Husqvarna's larger and all wheel drive Automowers are aimed at steep plots, and our robot mowers for slopes guide explains how a percentage slope rating relates to degrees. Remember that a slope rating is a maximum, and a wet bank is harder going than a dry one.

For gardens with several separate lawns, narrow side passages or lots of tree cover, a wired Automower is the more predictable option. For an open, single lawn, wire-free RTK from either brand removes the most tedious part of ownership.

Apps, servicing and spares

Both brands control their mowers through a phone app for schedules, zones and status. Husqvarna's Automower Connect app also offers remote control on connected models. Navimow's app is central to the whole setup, so a good phone signal or home Wi-Fi in the garden helps.

Servicing is a real point of difference. Husqvarna has a long standing dealer network in the UK that handles winter servicing, blade changes and repairs, and lists spare part availability on many of its models. Navimow support runs mainly through the brand and its retailers. Either way, check how warranty claims and repairs are handled before you buy, and keep spare blades in stock because robot blades are small and need regular changes.

Note:Before you touch the blades, turn the mower off with the main switch, use the stop button and follow the manual. Wear gloves, as robot blades are small but sharp. Never lift or tip a mower while it is running.

Which should you buy?

Pick a Husqvarna Automower if your garden has heavy tree cover, several separate areas or tall buildings close by, if you want a dealer to install and service it, or if you value a long track record and parts support. A wired model is still the most dependable choice for awkward gardens.

Pick a Segway Navimow if your lawn is fairly open, you are happy to set things up yourself through an app and you never want to lay or repair a wire. If you are undecided between wire and wire-free in general, read our wire-free vs boundary wire comparison, then browse the best robot lawn mowers for current options.

Frequently asked questions

Does a Segway Navimow need a boundary wire? No. Navimow models use a virtual boundary that you set in the app, with RTK positioning from an antenna placed in the garden. Check the manual for antenna placement advice for your model.

Can a Husqvarna Automower work without a wire? Yes, Husqvarna's EPOS and vision models are wire-free. Its classic models still use a boundary wire, which suits gardens with heavy tree cover.

Which is better under trees? A boundary wire works regardless of tree cover, so a wired Automower is the safer choice for heavily shaded lawns. RTK robots can lose accuracy under dense canopy, though cameras help on many models.

Can I get either one installed for me? Husqvarna dealers commonly offer installation. For Navimow, setup is designed to be done by the owner, but some retailers and local gardeners offer help.