An in-depth, balanced 2026 review of the Segway Navimow i105N robot lawn mower, covering real user feedback, pros, cons, mapping performance, reliability, and whether it is worth $800 to $900 for US homeowners.
Key Features and First Impressions
The Segway Navimow i105N is positioned as a perimeter wire–free robotic mower designed for lawns up to 1/8 acre. Priced between $800 and $900 in the US, it sits in an interesting middle ground, more advanced than entry-level boundary wire models, but still accessible compared to high-end robotic systems.
Vision Positioning
Its headline feature is RTK plus Vision positioning, which aims to provide centimetre-level accuracy without the need to bury a perimeter wire. Instead of physical boundaries, you guide it using your smartphone and create virtual zones. In theory, this makes setup faster and far less intrusive. I think that is one of its biggest selling points, especially for homeowners who do not want to dig up their yard.
Multi-Zone Management
It uses a 7.1-inch cutting width and operates at around 58 dB, which is quiet enough that it may run without disturbing neighbors. Multi-zone management through the app allows up to 12 zones, and obstacle detection claims recognition of over 150 object types using a 140-degree field-of-view camera.
Mixed Reports
On paper, it sounds impressive for the price. However, while many customer reviews are highly positive, there are also mixed reports about mapping consistency, navigation in complex yards, and occasional sticking issues. I would approach it with cautious optimism.
The technology is promising, but as with many newer robotic systems, real-world performance can vary depending on lawn layout, tree coverage, and setup precision. Next, we will look closely at what positive reviewers are actually saying after living with it.
Positive Reviews
Positive feedback accounts for roughly 60 percent of the reviews, and there are some clear recurring themes. Many owners describe the mower as a genuine time saver, especially compared to traditional push mowers or older robotic models with boundary wires. While no product is perfect, the majority of satisfied users seem to feel the technology delivers on its core promise.
No Boundary Wires, A Major Upgrade
One of the strongest positive themes is relief at not having to install perimeter wires. Several buyers previously owned robotic mowers that required buried wires and were frustrated by broken lines and constant troubleshooting. One reviewer wrote “This is so much better than robotic mowers that use boundary wires.”
Another shared after switching from a wired model “Having used it for about six months I can tell you this is a far superior product that never goes out of bounds that never has broken wires and installs in like 10 minutes.”
Others simply appreciated the simplicity “Best part of the set up, NO WIRES required in your yard.” For many, that single feature appears to justify much of the purchase price.
Time Saving and Convenience
A consistent theme across positive reviews is time freedom. One homeowner put it simply “Saves me a lot of time doing yard work.” Another wrote “Very easy to use. Just set a mowing schedule and the little guy gets to work. If charging is needed it goes back to charging station, then resumes mowing.”
A newly single mother shared “This has been a game changer for me as I don’t have to spend any time mowing or even thinking ‘ugh I have to mow tomorrow.’”
Another buyer with a second home said “It has been flawlessly cutting grass unattended at my second home.” For some, the benefit is not just convenience but physical relief. One reviewer recovering from back surgery explained “No longer able to push a standard lawnmower, the Navimow i105 was just what I needed.”
That kind of feedback suggests the mower may offer meaningful lifestyle benefits beyond simple lawn maintenance.
Quiet Operation
The low noise level is repeatedly praised. One reviewer said “It’s extremely quiet, almost silent, so you could very possibly mow at night while you’re sleeping.” Another mentioned setting it to mow at 11 pm “It’s literally right outside my bedroom and I can’t hear it.”
A different owner wrote “I can’t get over how quiet this is. Way better than I expected.” For suburban US neighborhoods, where noise complaints can be an issue, this seems to be a genuine advantage.
Cutting Quality and Lawn Appearance
Many users say the grass looks consistently well maintained. “Cuts great. Navigates well.” / “The lawnmower works great! It obeys the virtual boundary.” / “I am impressed with how it works to keep the grass cut.”
One reviewer noted that over time the system improves its performance “After almost 3 months, I can clearly see how the mower improves it cutting boundaries.”
Another said “Freed up so much of my time, and the yard looks great.” There are also comments about mowing patterns “Navimow was always mowing as programmed. Its patterns changed with each mow.” The systematic mowing pattern appears to give some owners a more uniform look compared to random-pattern robotic mowers.
Software and App Control
The app and mapping system receive frequent praise, although with some learning curve. “Great software; easy and flexible zone setup.” / “The app is intuitive.” / “Easy setup and control of the mower from your phone.”
One owner advised preparation “Easy if you watch the YouTube videos first.” Another added “System works great but does have a bit of a learning curve.” But once configured, many describe it as largely hands-off “Just walk your phone around the lawn and the mower learns its boundaries.”
Several buyers appreciated the ability to manage multiple zones and tweak boundaries when needed.
Reliability and Durability
There are some surprisingly strong durability stories in the positive reviews. One owner described an extreme incident “My pet pushed it in the pool where it sat upside-down for 4-days. I shook out the water, let it dry then charged it and it works like nothing happened.”
Another wrote after extended use “This is my second mowing season… and it was worth it.” A Florida owner comparing it to a long-used competitor said “This guy is miles better and more efficient… Almost flawless so far.”
Customer service also gets mention in some cases. One user who initially had GPS offset issues later updated “Excellent customer support!! Extended antenna resolved weak GPS.” That suggests the brand may be responsive when issues arise.
Performance on Varied Lawns
While marketed for up to 1/8 acre, users report success on different yard types. “The Navimow handled both yards… The reviewer who said to let the mower figure it out was correct.” Another with a hill commented “The mower handles the hill just fine with stock wheels as long as the ground is dry.”
Front-wheel drive also received praise “Front wheel drive gets it up onto pathway moving from one patch to another.” However, even satisfied users often acknowledge minor limitations, such as traction on slopes or slightly narrow cutting width. Importantly, these points are typically mentioned without reducing their overall satisfaction.
Overall Tone of Positive Feedback
What stands out to me is that most five-star reviewers are not claiming perfection. Many openly mention small drawbacks such as slope traction, initial setup time, or recharge cycles. Yet they still describe the mower as worth the investment. Statements like…
“It just works.” / “Very pleased.” / “Worry free.” / “Life changing.” / “Best purchase ever.” reflect genuine enthusiasm, especially from homeowners who value convenience and reduced physical effort. In the next section, we will look at the mixed reviews, where buyers highlight both strengths and frustrations in more equal measure.
Mixed Reviews
Roughly 25 percent of feedback falls into the middle ground. These buyers generally see the value and appreciate the technology, but they also highlight clear frustrations, limitations, or compromises.
What stands out is this, many of these reviewers still like the mower, but they do not fully trust it or feel it is completely hands-off.
Setup Can Be Frustrating
A repeated theme is that initial setup takes far more effort than expected. One buyer admitted “It is not easy to set up… I almost gave up after 5 hours, but I finally found a working combination.” Another wrote “Setting up for the first time was a bit confusing. You get used to it after a while.”
Dock and antenna placement seems particularly sensitive. “Placing the mower and its base station was a royal pain.” / “It takes a long time to get the docking station and antennae in appropriate places.”
Several reviewers mentioned a learning curve “Requires a bit of time to set up the machine to achieve the best results.” / “System works great but does have a bit of a learning curve.” The good news is that most say once it is dialled in, it performs reasonably well. But patience appears essential.
GPS and Signal Limitations
Because this mower relies on satellite positioning rather than boundary wires, signal quality can make or break performance. One reviewer warned “Make sure that your yard has good signal throughout all seasons.” They explained that once trees filled in “The quality of the GPS signal started to decline, and the robot started to get lost.”
Another owner noted “Great as long as it is in line of sight to beacon antenna.” Mapping inconsistencies also appear “Very weak GPS navigation one side of my yard it's offset by 2 feet boundary after mapping.”
Although in that case, an extended antenna resolved the issue. The takeaway is clear, open sky conditions matter more than some buyers initially realise.
Traction and Getting Stuck
This is one of the most common frustrations in mixed reviews. “It gets stuck from time to time, but I have a very bumpy yard.” / “The mower handles the hill just fine… as long as the ground is dry.” / “Doesn’t have good traction in Saint Augustine grass.”
One blunt review stated “This thing will get stuck on a literal flat surface regardless of what wheels you use.”
Another explained “The Navimow frequently gets stuck… and ends up digging a rut trying to get itself out.” Several users upgraded to off-road or spiked wheels, with mixed results. One even said “Don’t buy the $100 ‘all terrain’ wheels… there’s literally no difference.”
Traction appears highly lawn-dependent. Smooth, level turf works best. Uneven, soft, or thick grass creates more intervention.
Not Completely Autonomous
Many mixed reviewers stress that this is not truly hands-off. One user summed it up perfectly “A helpful addition but not replacement to your traditional lawn mower.”
Another wrote “If you are looking for something that is hands off, this is not it.” Common complaints include…
- Having to remap zones
- Blocking off problem areas
- Resetting after it gets stuck
- Still trimming edges manually
- One buyer said “You will have to constantly reset it, fix it when it's stuck, etc.”
- Another added “You also still have to do your own edging and trimming, but this does the bulk.”
For many, it reduces effort significantly but does not eliminate involvement.
Cutting Limitations
Some users report solid mowing performance overall “Cuts really well.” / “Does a good job on 95% of my back lawn.” / “Mows like a dream.” However, limitations appear in certain conditions “Wish it can handle taller grass.” / “If I walk over the whole perimeter… I can see a few long blades of grass.”
One reviewer who mows at 4 inches found “The mowing quality is affected at 4" since the robot passes too many times at the same spot, folding the lawn instead of cutting.”
Another explained that irregularly shaped lawns can be problematic “If your lawn has an irregular shape, it could be challenging to draw the map.” And fence edges remain a common complaint “It leaves a wide space about 1 feet between the fence and the area where it works.” This reinforces that rectangular, open lawns are the ideal use case.
Battery Life and Coverage
Battery life receives mixed feedback. Some are satisfied, but others say “Battery life was terrible. It would mow for about 30 minutes and then go back to charge.” / “My lawn is not big but it can't do it all in one go.”
Others are frustrated by coverage caps “The software lock on map coverage is frustrating as I can’t map my entire yard due to size.” While it eventually finishes the job through recharge cycles, expectations of single-pass mowing may lead to disappointment.
Software and App Frustrations
Several reviewers mention software limitations or quirks.
- “The App can be further improved.”
- “Miss more flexibility on its usage/parameters setting.”
- One particularly detailed review pointed out that originally “Only one household member can control the mower.”
Though that issue was later addressed via an app update. Others experienced unpredictable behaviour “It got itself outside its own boundary one day, couldn't figure out how to get back in.” / “The mower is unpredictable.”
And one reviewer felt the AI overreacted “This thing beeps and barks loudly at everything it seems to get confused by.” For a product marketed as smart and autonomous, these behaviours clearly undermine confidence for some users.
Customer Service Experiences
Customer support feedback is mixed. Some reported fast responses and shipping labels. Others said “Customer service is non existent.” / “Support still didn't answer my questions.” Warranty cases sometimes required costly return shipping, with one warning “Keep the original box and packaging material.” Because re-packaging for return costs over $100.
Security and Peace of Mind
An unexpected theme is theft anxiety. One humorous but honest review explained: “Leaving an expensive robot unattended is basically an invitation for it to gain a new owner.” They described monitoring it constantly and worrying whenever it disappeared behind bushes.
While not a functional flaw, this reflects a real-world concern, especially in open front lawns.
Overall Tone of Mixed Reviews
The overall pattern in this category is consistent…
- It works well in ideal conditions
- It saves significant time
- It is not fully autonomous
- It requires patience, tweaking, and realistic expectations
- Many of these buyers still recommend it, but usually with caveats such as “Recommend for people who hate mowing… and are willing to spend the time learning how this works.”
- “It may still save you some time or effort, but you need to figure out how to mow the areas that mower does not touch.”
- This group sees clear value, but also clear limitations.
Next, we will examine the fully negative reviews, where expectations and real-world performance diverged much more sharply.
Negative Reviews
Around 15 percent of feedback falls into the clearly negative category. These are not minor frustrations. These are buyers who either returned the mower, experienced early failure, or felt the technology simply was not ready for real-world lawns.
While some of the criticism is emotional, the underlying complaints are consistent and worth examining carefully.
GPS Dependency Makes it Unusable for Some
The biggest issue in negative reviews is the heavy reliance on satellite positioning. Several buyers simply could not get the mower to connect reliably “You need to have GPS connected to make it work… I could not find any place which works for both. I am returning it now.”
Another said “Took 2hrs to find a location that would work good enough for GPS signal. Unit will not work until you have good GPS signal.”
Tree cover, sheds, buildings, and fences caused repeated failures “If you have a wooded lot, you can’t get the sky view it needs to operate.” / “Very difficult to create a map if you have any building and trees.”
One particularly detailed review described spending nearly two hours mapping, only to lose the entire perimeter due to a silver maple canopy blocking signal. Some owners even purchased optional accessories such as antenna extensions and 4G modules, yet still reported connection failures.
For these buyers, the wire-free design, which is meant to be the key advantage of the Segway Navimow i105N, became its biggest weakness.
Limited to Flat, Open Lawns
Another strong theme is terrain sensitivity. Multiple reviewers said the mower struggles on - Slight slopes / Small bumps / Ruts / Ditches / Thick grass / Hardscape transitions
One owner wrote “Doesn't work in anything but very flat and smooth conditions.” Another added “If you have the smallest hill in your yard it won’t work.”
Slope limits appear to be a real constraint, especially in front yards that naturally grade toward sidewalks. Several reviews also mention St. Augustine grass specifically “Not great for St. Augustine grass.” / “Constantly getting stuck… absolute waste of time.”
Traction, combined with lower power compared to traditional mowers, means uneven or dense lawns can quickly overwhelm it.
Mapping and Navigation Problems
Beyond GPS signal strength, navigation accuracy itself drew criticism. Some buyers report the mower ignoring the mapped guide path “The mower wanders around, kind-of along the path, but missing it by several feet.”
Others describe chaotic mowing patternsm“The cutting pattern? Pure chaos. It skips random areas.” / “Won’t circle back or try another path, it just abandons it.”
There are also complaints about edge cutting “Cannot mow near an edge.” / “Leaves patches in the middle of the zone.” In isolated zone mode, one reviewer stated the mower simply did nothing when instructed to start. For a robot marketed as precise and intelligent, these issues significantly erode trust.
Battery and Coverage Disappointments
Some buyers felt the real-world coverage did not match expectations. One wrote “Can't even mow 1800 sq ft at 3.6 inches on a full charge.” Another reported “Need charge every 30min… can only cut about very small area.”
Although robotic mowers are designed to recharge and continue, these users expected more single-cycle coverage, especially on relatively small lawns.
In a few cases, the software reportedly flagged yards as too large for the model, even when buyers believed they were within the stated limit. This led to accusations of artificial software restrictions designed to push customers toward higher-tier models.
Early Failures and Durability Concerns
A more serious group of reviews involves hardware failure. Examples include…
- “Stopped powering on out of the blue after a couple months.”
- “Quit working after 3 months.”
- Persistent GPS antenna failure.
- Rusted blades and screws after only three months.
One particularly concerning review described a charging cord that sparked, smoked, and burned through. The buyer warned against placing it near structures. In that case, a replacement unit reportedly failed again six months later. While these may be isolated incidents, safety-related complaints always deserve attention.
Customer Service Frustrations
Several negative reviewers expressed dissatisfaction with support. Common complaints are…
- No phone support
- Slow email responses
- Replacement parts unavailable
- Long waits for power supplies
- No response to bad reviews
- One buyer said they waited over a month for a replacement power supply with no clear timeline.
- Another described support as “radio silent.”
When a robotic mower stops working, quick support is essential. Delays amplify frustration significantly.
Emotional Reactions and Returns
Some reviews are short and blunt “Dump.” / “Bad just bad.” Others describe extreme frustration during setup, with comments about wasted time, days of troubleshooting, and missed work. Multiple buyers ultimately returned the mower without ever completing a successful mowing session.
Overall Pattern in Negative Reviews
Across these 1- and 2-star experiences, a clear pattern emerges - GPS reliability is critical and often problematic under trees or near buildings / It struggles on uneven, sloped, or thick lawns / Mapping failures can prevent use entirely / Some units experience early hardware issues / Customer support does not consistently resolve problems quickly
In short, when the mower works in ideal conditions, it can perform well. But when conditions are less than ideal, several buyers found it frustrating or unusable. The difference between satisfaction and disappointment seems to depend heavily on yard layout, sky visibility, terrain smoothness, and patience during setup.
Pros for the Segway Navimow i105N Robot Lawn Mower
1, No Perimeter Wire Required - The RTK and vision-based system eliminates the need to bury boundary cables, which is a major advantage over older robotic mowers.
2, Quiet Operation - At around 58 dB, it is quiet enough to run early morning or evening without disturbing neighbours.
3, Clean, Modern Design - Most buyers agree it feels well built and looks premium compared to cheaper robotic options.
4, Good Performance on Flat, Open Lawns - In ideal conditions, flat ground, clear sky view, minimal obstacles, it can maintain grass consistently with minimal input.
5, App-Based Multi-Zone Control - The ability to create virtual zones and adjust mowing schedules through the app adds flexibility.
6, Saves Time on Routine Maintenance - Even mixed reviewers admit it handles the bulk of mowing, reducing the need for weekly push mowing.
7, No Boundary Wire Repairs - Since there is no buried cable, you avoid common issues like broken wires after aeration or garden work.
8, Smart Obstacle Detection - The vision system helps it avoid toys, furniture, and other common garden obstacles better than older random-pattern bots.
Cons for the Segway Navimow i105N Robot Mower
1, Highly Dependent on Strong GPS Signal - Tree cover, sheds, fences, or buildings can make setup impossible in some yards.
2, Struggles on Slopes and Uneven Ground - Even minor bumps, ruts, or ditches can cause it to get stuck.
3, Weak Performance in Thick Grass Types - St. Augustine and dense turf types appear especially problematic.
4, Edge Cutting Is Limited - You will still need to trim edges manually, particularly along fences and hardscape.
5, Mapping Can Be Frustrating - If the signal drops during mapping, you may have to start over entirely.
6, Battery Coverage May Disappoint - Real-world mowing per charge can be lower than some buyers expect.
7, Not Fully Hands-Off - Many users report needing to reset, reposition, or rescue it regularly.
8, Customer Service Complaints - Replacement parts and support response times have frustrated some owners.
9, Occasional Hardware Failures - A small but notable number of buyers report early power or antenna issues.
Who it is For
- Have a small, flat, smooth lawn
- Have clear sky visibility with minimal tree canopy
- Do not mind spending time optimising setup
- Want to avoid installing a perimeter wire
- Are comfortable using smartphone apps and troubleshooting tech
- If your lawn is simple and open, this mower can genuinely reduce weekly effort and keep grass consistently tidy.
Who it is Not For
- Have heavy tree cover or limited sky view
- Have slopes, ruts, ditches, or uneven terrain
- Grow thick or coarse grass varieties
- Expect a completely hands-off, zero-maintenance experience
- Want strong edge cutting without trimming
- Need guaranteed reliability without troubleshooting
- If your yard is complex, shaded, or uneven, a traditional mower or a wired robotic system may be more dependable
Conclusion
The Segway Navimow i105N is a product with real potential, but very clear boundaries. Under optimum conditions, meaning a small, flat, smooth lawn with open sky visibility and minimal tree cover, it can be impressive. In those ideal environments, it is quiet, convenient, modern, and capable of maintaining grass consistently with far less weekly effort. If your yard fits that description, it can genuinely feel like a smart investment that saves time and reduces physical work.
Unpredictable Performance
However, step outside those ideal conditions and performance becomes far less predictable. Heavy tree canopy, slopes, thick grass types, uneven ground, or complex layouts can quickly turn this into a frustrating experience. The reliance on strong GPS positioning is both its innovation and its Achilles heel. When signal quality drops, so does reliability.
Garden Assessment!
Because of that, this is not a mower we would broadly recommend to the average homeowner. It is very lawn-specific. Buyers need to assess their garden honestly before purchasing.
Overall Rating
⭐ 4 out of 5 stars, but only under optimum conditions.
In perfect conditions, it earns four stars for innovation, quiet operation, and wire-free convenience. In anything less than ideal conditions, we would not recommend it.
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