For homeowners tired of pushing noisy, dusty lawnmowers across their yard every weekend, robotic mowers promise an appealing alternative: automated grass cutting powered by intelligent programming and lithium-ion batteries. Also called lawn robots or mow bots, these autonomous mowers bring advanced technology to a task most would prefer to avoid.
Global adoption of robotic mowers is rising swiftly as prices become more affordable. Industry analyst firm Interact Analysis projects around 543,000 robotic mowers were sold last year, generating $3 billion in revenue. With a CAGR of 12%, by 2026 robotic mower sales are forecasted to exceed $5 billion.
As this promising new product niche grows more competitive, two brands stand out from the pack as robotic mower pioneers and technological innovators – Germany‘s GARDENA and Chinese power tool giant Worx‘s Landroid line.
But between these two manufacturers, how do you decide where to invest your hard-earned cash for an automated mower suited to your unique lawn care needs? What are the key differences that determine whether GARDENA or Worx is the superior choice?
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed comparison of leading robotic mower models‘ specifications and performance. Follow along as we break down the pros and cons of each brand‘s offerings to help identify your ideal grass cutting machine.
Company Histories – The Innovators in Robotics Lawn Care
Headquartered in Munich Germany, GARDENA is a division of Husqvarna Group – a publicly traded Swedish power equipment conglomerate with over $3 billion in annual revenue. Dating back to 1863 when the Workshop Husqvarna factory was founded by royal decree of the Swedish King Charles XV, Husqvarna has a storied legacy as an innovations leader producing muskets, sewing machines, bicycles, motorcycles, chainsaws and commercial lawn equipment through the years.
When Husqvarna purchased German irrigation company GARDENA in 2007, it brought together R&D talent focused on water systems and lawn maintenance. GARDENA unveiled their first robotic lawnmower, the RoboMower Model 32, in 1995 – one of the world‘s very first. This model won the prestigious IF Design Award for its innovative concept. Over 25 years later, GARDENA Robotic Mowers continue raising the bar for hands-free yard care.
Founded in 2003, Positec is a leading Chinese manufacturer of power tools and outdoor electric equipment located in Suzhou. In 2013, Positec launched the Worx brand focusing specifically on DIY and lawn tools built with advanced lithium-ion battery systems. That same year, Worx introduced their award-winning Landroid line as a uniquely Android-powered solution delivering robotic efficiency for mowing mid-sized lawns.
The name Landroid is fitting given these mowers seem inspired by sci-fi robots. Navigation uses specialized AIA technology similar to artificial intelligence, while onboard computers precisely map lawns. Now on their 4th generation design, Worx Landroid mowers are a feat of mechatronic engineering with over 2,500 mechanical components perfectly synchronized to trim grass autonomously.
Both companies are clearly dedicated to driving robotic mowing technology forward as consumer adoption grows. Next let‘s examine how their offerings stack up.
GARDENA vs. Worx Specification Showdown
Diving into the details, here is a side-by-side comparison of today‘s top models from both brands highlighting the key metrics that differentiate performance.
Cutting Width & System
A wider cutting deck processes more grass in a single pass, requiring fewer trips back and forth across your lawn to achieve full coverage. The cutting system must also mulch clippings finely and handle both flat grass and 3D obstacles with ease.
- GARDENA:
- Cutting Width – 6.2 to 8.5 inches
- Cutter – 3 pivoting razor blades, self-sharpening
- Worx
- Cutting Width – 8 inches
- Cutter – 3 precision channeled blades
Analysis: Worx model‘s consistently wider width signals efficiency advantage
Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash
Battery & Charging
Long battery life reduces downtime, while quick charging gets the mower back in action ASAP.
- GARDENA
- Battery – 18V 2.1Ah Li-ion
- Runtime – 65 minutes
- Recharge Time – 60 minutes
- Worx
- Battery – 20V 4.0Ah Li-ion
- Runtime – 80 minutes
- Recharge Time – 240 minutes
Analysis: Worx battery metrics edge out Gardena slightly, but slower recharge could mean more downtime
Navigation Systems & Lawn Intelligence
Smart navigation with efficient routing ensures reliable, even lawn coverage regardless of yard complexity.
- GARDENA
- LONA AI lawn intelligence allows mower to learn yard specifics
- No perimeter wire required for mapping
- Worx
- AIA technology mimics human navigation patterns
- Landroid Vision models build lawn maps with onboard camera & sensors
Analysis: Next-gen systems eliminate need for boundary wires making install and operation simpler
Lawn Size Capacity
Manufacturers state maximum lawn size for optimal mower productivity. Real-world cutting performance can vary significantly based on grass type, moisture content, and slope.
- GARDENA – Up to 3/8 acre
- Worx – Up to 1 acre
Analysis: Worx quotes substantially larger yard capacities targetting customers with bigger lawns
Prices
Given similar advanced technology across brands, price often drives purchase decisions. Indicated retailer pricing as of February 2023:
- GARDENA
- Entry Model – $671 – Sileno minimo
- Top Model – $1,399 – SILENO life
- Worx
- Entry Model – $999 – Landroid S
- Top Model – $3,499 – Landroid Vision
Analysis: GARDENA provides better value targeting more cost-conscious buyers
Beyond the Specs – Key Innovations
Both companies continue pushing boundaries to enhance automated mowing. Here are some of the latest innovations brands are hoping will captivate consumers.
GARDENA Innovations
- Spot Mowing – Unique to GARDENA, spot mowing lets you set a 30 x 30 inch area for on-demand, detailed cutting. It ensures flawless coverage around gardens or under outdoor furniture.
- Quiet Operation – GARDENA‘s SILENO minimo model has best-in-class quiet performance at just 58 dbA – as subtle as an average conversation.
- All-Terrain Wheels – Redesigned rear wheels and chassis structure on models like SILENO life provide greater stability and 20% more traction when operating on slopes or uneven terrain.
Worx Innovations
- No Boundaries – Worx‘s Landroid Vision series sports onboard cameras and sensors that build lawn maps eliminating the need for troublesome boundary wires – unlocking convenience and design flexibility.
- PrecisionVision – Included starter pegs enable perfectly straight boundary wire installation along edges for tidier trimming compared to irregular perimeters.
- PowerShare – All Worx 20V and 80V tools run on the same PowerShare battery system, so you can use batteries interchangeably across your mower, string trimmer, leaf blower and more.
Both brands strive to give consumers excellent solutions for automating lawn upkeep without constant hassle. GARDENA focuses refinements on mowing fundamentals like all-weather handling and sound, while Worx pushes ahead with sophisticated vision systems and compatibility across your equipment ecosystem.
Now let‘s distill recommendations customers can use to decide between these two robotic mowing pioneers.
Which Should You Buy – GARDENA or Worx?
With performance metrics dissected and innovations covered, what guidance can be offered to buyers evaluating GARDENA vs Worx?
Best Robotic Mower for Small Yards
If you have a tiny yard or unusually shaped lawn under 1/4 acre, GARDENA models like the SILENO minimo really shine. The smaller chassis nimbly handles tight spaces, slopes and obstacles. Spot mowing addresses tiny patches of grass other mowers might miss. Quiet, unobtrusive operation won‘t antagonize close neighbors. Pricing under $700 makes SILENO minimo very compelling for urban locations.
Best for Lawns Up to 1 Acre
Larger yards consisting of simple Rectangles or more intricate shapes up to 1 acre should strongly consider Worx Landroid mowers. Their superior battery capacity, wider cutting deck and advanced navigation systems can efficiently handle substantial grass. Built-in room for growth with larger models also capable of bigger lawn sizes down the road.
Most High-Tech Innovations
For customers wanting the latest robotic technology simplifying ownership, Worx Landroid Vision series delivers stand-out performance. It‘s smart vision mapping and no boundary wires unlock the ultimate in convenience and autonomy. Your mower independently builds lawn familiarity to perfectly edge and trim on its own. The premium pricing buys impressively sophisticated programming.
Best Budget Automated Mowing
Price-sensitive buyers wanting automation without breaking the bank get great value from GARDENA lineup. While you sacrifice some coverage speed and high-tech gains from Worx, GARDENA irrigation heritage ensures fundamentally solid, fuss-free operation rain or shine. Starting under $700, SILENO Life or City choices replicate essential features at fraction of the cost.
Ready to Own Tomorrow‘s Yard Care Today?
Robotic mowers undoubtedly represent the future of lawn maintenance – bringing advanced autonomous functionality once only seen in science fiction films. As pioneers in this field, both GARDENA and Worx deliver outstanding programmed assistance for keeping your grass orderly manicured despite busy modern lifestyles.
Carefully weigh the pros and cons covered between these two industry leaders. For large or complex yards, Worx Landroid lineup pushes the technological boundaries further. Budget-Focused buyers get more value per dollar with GARDENA essentials. Regardless what you decide, enjoy reclaiming your weekends thanks to robotics!
