Robot lawnmower with RTK or laser - which is better? Mammotion Luba Mini AWD (LiDAR) review & comparison

The Mammotion Luba Mini AWD (LiDAR) is one of the more expensive models for areas up to 1,500 square meters, costing at least 1,999 euros according to the RRP. The difference is even more extreme with the Luba Mini AWD 800, which is significantly more expensive for a robotic lawnmower for small areas up to 800 square meters at 1,599 euros RRP than, for example, the Yuka Mini 800.

However, the Luba Mini AWD offers an all-wheel drive system, with which it mastered impressive inclines in the test. It is therefore an interesting alternative, especially for gardens with rather rough terrain - whether due to slopes or other challenges.

When mowing, both models do an excellent job, navigating reliably and systematically. Obstacle detection also worked (almost) perfectly. There is also an extensive app with numerous setting options.

And now to the differences: The classic Mammotion Luba Mini AWD with RTK is suitable for all gardens where there are not too many obstacles such as trees, buildings and more interfering with GPS-RTK system or where there is comprehensive Wi-Fi or 4G coverage for the (not quite as precise and later chargeable) alternative iNavi service (NetRKT).

If this is not the case, then the more expensive Mammotion Luba Mini AWD LiDAR comes into play. It is completely independent of external factors and, thanks to its laser technology, can make its rounds with ease. It is therefore the better choice for properties with lots of trees or other obstacles that interfere with GPS, 4G and Wi-Fi reception.

Mammotion offers the Luba Mini AWD in several versions. The Mammotion Luba Mini AWD 800 (S or H Version) is designed for up to 800 square meters of recommended lawn area and costs $1,599 according to the recommended retail price. The Mammotion Luba Mini AWD 1500 for 1,500 square meters is priced at $1,999 RRP.

The LiDAR model is only available as a 1500 version, but unfortunately not currently in the USA. The RRP for the Mammotion Luba Mini AWD LiDAR 1500 in Europe is 2,299 euro. All models are available from Mammotion and Amazon, among others.

At the beginning of the year mammotion launched the Luba Mini AWD, a compact version of its large Luba 2 AWD. This is based on the well-known RTK navigation system.

At the end of June followed with the Mammotion Luba Mini AWD LiDAR, which relies on completely new approaches (for Mammotion) and navigates purely by laser - without any RTK antenna in the garden.

But what exactly are the differences? And which robotic mower is better suited to which area of application? We have not only subjected the Mammotion Luba Mini AWD 800 and the Mammotion Luba Mini AWD LiDAR 1500 to a detailed test, but also compared the two Robotic mowers without boundary wire with each other.

Otherwise, both robotic mowers are identical, at least in the respective 1500 version. All models are equipped with a cutting system with a 20 cm cutting width (i.e. no double mower as in the large Luba) and six free-swinging blades, which can be electrically adjusted to a cutting height of between 20 and 65 mm. Other features include all-wheel drive with physical shock absorbers, a replaceable 6,1 Ah battery and LED lights. In addition to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, 4G is also available as an option for connectivity.

Now we come to the big difference between the Mammotion Luba Mini AWD with RTK and LiDAR: the navigation. The classic model, which is a few months older, usually has an RTK station in the garden for this purpose, which is relatively compact at a good 70 cm high. This supports GPS for more precise positioning in the garden. Alternatively, the iNavi service (NetRKT) can be used, but this will be subject to a charge from 2026, at least when using 4G instead of Wi-Fi.

In RTK use, the Luba Mini AWD did not have any noticeable weaknesses in navigation. It reliably and for the most part systematically covered our two test areas, although there are admittedly few challenges for comprehensive GPS RTK reception here.

We can also attest the same attributes to our LiDAR model. Here, too, there is no reason for criticism. The Luba Mini AWD LiDAR also reliably made its way along the tracks. At one point or another, one or other model may be a little less accurate than its colleague. However, in an environment such as a garden, deviations in the millimeter range are not necessarily important.

In terms of running time and energy consumption, the comparison is a little off, as we tested the smaller model of the Luba Mini AWD with RTK for up to 800 square meters, but the LiDAR alternative is only available as a large 1500-meter version. Nevertheless, a look at the figures is interesting and provides an exciting assessment of the two robotic mowers, which work quite quietly in practice.

In our test, the Mammotion Luba Mini AWD 800 mowed around 160 square meters per battery charge in just over two hours with standard settings. It then disappeared for a pit stop at the charging station for just under two and a half hours with 15 percent charge remaining. During this time, approx. 130 Wh with up to 63 W flowed into the 4.5 Ah battery.