What does the Automower 305E NERA add over the cheaper Automower 305?

The Husqvarna Automower 305E NERA adds a wire-free option, the EdgeCut disc, electric height adjustment and a Wi-Fi app connection, but the older Husqvarna Automower 305 handles steeper slopes and costs much less.

The 305 is a boundary-wire mower only. You peg or bury a wire around the lawn and any beds, and it has no satellite navigation to upgrade to. The 305E NERA comes in two versions: a newer wire-free one that uses cloud RTK over Wi-Fi, and an earlier boundary-wire one that can be converted with Husqvarna's EPOS Plug-in.

Cutting is where the NERA model pulls ahead on paper. It has a second, rear EdgeCut disc for closer edges, and height adjusts electrically from the app between 20 mm and 55 mm. On the 305 you set height by hand, up to 50 mm.

Connectivity differs too. The 305 uses the Bluetooth-based Automower Connect@Home app, so you need to be near the mower to change settings unless a dealer fits a Connect Kit. The 305E NERA connects over Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth.

The 305 has the advantage on slopes: Husqvarna rates it for 40% inside the lawn against 30% for the NERA. It also weighs less and is quoted slightly quieter.

The 305 is run-out stock from £699, against £1,549 for the 305E NERA. If you're happy with a wire, the 305 at a real discount is good value. If you want to avoid the wire or want neater edges, the NERA is the one to choose.