US listings rate mowers in fractions of an acre (1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 6 acres). The rating is a ceiling, not a recommendation — a mower running at its maximum will be mowing constantly. Measure the actual turf area, excluding the house footprint, driveway and planting beds.
Boundary wire is proven and cheap but takes a weekend to install. RTK satellite positioning is precise under open sky. LiDAR works under tree cover, which matters on wooded lots. Vision systems read the lawn edge with cameras and struggle in low light.
Look for a stated slope rating and, for hilly yards, all-wheel drive. Tree roots, exposed irrigation heads and steep banks are the most common sources of owner complaints.
Robot mowers are far quieter than gas mowers, but many run daily and some schedule night mowing to avoid heat. Check your HOA rules and the listed dB level before you buy.
In warm states the mowing season can run most of the year, so battery and blade wear accumulate faster. In cold states, plan for winter storage and follow the manufacturer's battery guidance.
Check warranty length, whether service is US-based, and whether blades, batteries and charging stations are stocked locally. Machines at this price point are worth servicing, not replacing.