Do robot mowers come with a monthly subscription?

Mostly not for mowing itself, but many connected mowers have a paid data plan for the extras once a free period ends. It's worth reading the small print before you buy.

The cost usually comes from the 4G connection built into many wire-free mowers. That link carries remote control from anywhere, GPS anti-theft tracking and, on network RTK mowers, the satellite corrections the mower uses to navigate.

How two of the big wire-free brands handle it, according to their UK pages:

• Mammotion includes 36 months of 4G data with the Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD, says its network RTK service is free, and makes 4G optional after that.
• Segway Navimow includes 12 months of data on its i2, H2 and X4 mowers and says network RTK access is included; after the first year, a paid renewal keeps remote and anti-theft features working.

What to check for any model:

• Does the mower still mow, and still navigate accurately, if you don't renew the data plan?
• How long is the included period, and what does renewal cost?
• Is tracking part of the free period or an extra module?

Wired mowers and many basic wire-free models have no ongoing costs beyond blades and electricity. Our network RTK and 4G guide covers the subscription question brand by brand.