Is the Automower 405VE NERA worth the extra money over the Automower 308V?

For many small gardens, no: the Husqvarna Automower 308V covers similar ground for much less. The Husqvarna Automower 405VE NERA earns its higher price if your Wi-Fi doesn't reach the lawn, you want GPS tracking, or you care about tidier edges.

Both are wire-free, use Husqvarna's EPOS satellite RTK with cloud corrections, and have an AI camera. Neither needs a reference station where there's an internet connection across the lawn. The differences are in the details:

• Connectivity. The 405VE NERA has cellular built in, so it gets RTK corrections and app access over mobile signal. The 308V relies on Wi-Fi unless a dealer fits a Connect Kit.
• Security. The 405VE NERA lists GPS theft tracking; the 308V's data doesn't.
• Cutting. The 405VE NERA adds the rear EdgeCut disc and a higher maximum cutting height, 55 mm against 50 mm. Its height also adjusts electrically from the app, while Husqvarna lists manual adjustment on the 308V.
• Night vision. Its camera has infrared, though we'd keep any robot mower to daytime schedules for hedgehogs.

The 308V has a few advantages. Husqvarna rates it for steeper slopes, 40% against 30%, and it is lighter. The 405VE NERA is rated for a larger lawn, 900 m² against 800 m², and is quoted as slightly quieter.

The 308V costs from £1,249 and the 405VE NERA from £2,299. If your garden has good Wi-Fi throughout and you don't need tracking, the 308V is the better value. If the lawn is beyond Wi-Fi or theft is a worry, the 405VE NERA's extras are harder to add later.