We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.Picks are based on manufacturer specs, owner reports and expert sources, linked below.
You no longer need to spend $2,000+ to skip the boundary wire. These models list for under $1,500 in the US and suit small to mid-sized lawns. The trade-offs are smaller rated areas and less slope headroom than the flagship models.
How we picked: Only models with a US list price under $1,500; ranked by rated area, then slope rating. More on our criteria.
Quick picks
Anthbot
Under $1,000
Ecovacs
$1,000–2,000
Segway Navimow
$1,000–2,000
| Model | Price band | Max area | Max slope | Navigation | Wire | AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M9 | Under $1,000 | 10,760 sq ft | 45% | RTK+Vision | Wire-free | No |
| GOAT O1000 LiDAR PRO | $1,000–2,000 | 10,760 sq ft | 45% | LiDAR | Wire-free | No |
| i210 AWD | $1,000–2,000 | 10,760 sq ft | 45% | RTK+Vision | Wire-free | Yes |
For a small, simple lawn, often yes. The main things you give up are rated area, slope capability and, on some models, rain sensing. Use the finder to check a model against your lawn before buying.
Want picks for your exact lawn?
Answer 6 quick questions and get 3 honest matches across every brand.
Top pick: under $1,500
Anthbot M9