Flymo Speedi-Mo 360C
A capable lawn mower (corded electric mower, 36cm cutting width, 1500W motor) for a well-kept lawn.
Robot vs Petrol vs Cordless Mower: Which Is Right?
Robot, petrol or cordless? These three mower types suit very different lawns and owners. This guide compares them on effort, power, lawn size, running costs and price so you can pick the right one for your garden.
The short version
A robot mower cuts automatically for a hands-off, always-neat lawn but costs more upfront and suits lawns within its rated area. A cordless mower is the low-maintenance all-rounder for most medium gardens - quiet, clean, easy. A petrol mower gives the most power and unlimited run time for large or rough lawns, at the cost of fuel, oil and servicing. Choose by how big your lawn is and how much effort you want to put in.
When each wins
Robot wins if you want a permanently neat lawn with zero effort and your garden fits its working area - ideal for busy people and regular-shaped lawns. Cordless wins for the majority of medium gardens where convenience, quiet and low maintenance matter most. Petrol wins for large, rough or long-grass lawns that need sustained power, and where a self-propelled drive helps over a big area.
Running costs and effort
Robots use cheap electricity and need occasional blade swaps, but the upfront cost is highest. Cordless mowers cost little to run and need almost no maintenance; a spare battery removes the run-time limit. Petrol mowers cost most to run (fuel, oil, annual service) but reward you with power. On effort: robot = none, cordless = easy pushing (or self-propelled), petrol = more physical unless self-propelled.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Makita
A capable lawn mower (cordless mower, 18V battery) for a well-kept lawn.
#3 
Makita LXT
A capable lawn mower (cordless mower, 38cm cutting width, 18V battery) for a well-kept lawn.
#4 
Eufy E18 Robot Lawnmower
A capable lawn mower (robotic mower) for a well-kept lawn.
#5 
Eufy Robot Lawnmower E15
A capable lawn mower (robotic mower) for a well-kept lawn.
#6 
Makita LXT
A capable lawn mower (cordless mower, 43cm cutting width, 18V battery) for a well-kept lawn.
Frequently asked questions
Is a robot mower better than a normal mower?
It depends what you want. A robot mower keeps your lawn permanently neat with no effort, which is ideal if your garden fits its working area and you value convenience. A normal cordless or petrol mower costs less upfront, handles longer grass and complex lawns better, and gives you control. Choose robot for hands-off tidiness, a push mower for power and flexibility.
Which lasts longer, petrol or cordless mowers?
Both can last many years with care. Petrol mowers are rugged and repairable but need regular servicing to reach their lifespan. Cordless mowers have fewer moving parts and need little maintenance, though the battery will eventually need replacing after several years. Build quality and how well you maintain it matter more than the power type.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Flymo Speedi-Mo 360C (our score 9.6/10) - A capable lawn mower (corded electric mower, 36cm cutting width, 1500W motor) for a well-kept lawn..