For a long time, the “entry-level” price for a reliable, wire-free robot mower was firmly set at $999. Recently, the Segway Navimow i105N dropped to an aggressive **$799**, making it harder for cheap competitors to survive.
But a new challenger has appeared on Amazon.
The YardCare M800Plus claims to offer the same premium tech—RTK-GPS navigation, 3D Vision obstacle avoidance, and systematic cutting—for just $599 (with coupon).
That’s a $200 difference. On paper, the YardCare actually boasts better specs in some areas, like slope climbing. But specs don’t always tell the full story. In this comparison, we dig deep into the cutting height, battery life, and navigation to see if the YardCare M800 Plus is a hidden gem or if you should stick with the Segway.
Part 1: Specs Comparison (Deep Dive)
While both mowers use RTK-GPS (no wires needed) and cameras for stability, the mechanical differences are significant.
| Feature | YardCare M800 Plus | Segway Navimow i105N |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$599.99 (Promo) | $799.00 |
| Cut Height | 0.8 – 2.4 inches (Low Cut Only) |
2.0 – 3.6 inches (US Standard) |
| Slope / Climbing | 35% (20°) | 30% (16°) |
| Coverage | 0.2 Acre (800m²) | 0.125 Acre (Expands to 0.2) |
| Navigation | RTK + 3D Vision | RTK + VisionFence |
| Runtime | ~100 Minutes | ~60 Minutes |
| Waterproof | IPX5 (Rain Proof) | IP66 (Washable) |
Part 2: Critical Analysis
1. The Cutting Height “Dealbreaker” This is the single most important difference for US homeowners.
- Segway i105N: Designed specifically for North American lawns, it cuts from 2.0 to 3.6 inches. This is perfect for Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass, which needs to be kept tall in the summer heat to retain moisture.
- YardCare M800Plus: Uses the European/Global standard of 0.8 to 2.4 inches.
- Analysis: If you like a golf-course style low cut, YardCare is fine. But if you try to cut Fescue at 2.4 inches in July, you might burn your lawn.
2. Slope & Terrain YardCare holds a slight advantage here. With a 35% (20°) slope rating, it edges out the Segway i105N’s 30% (16°) limit. While it is not an all-terrain climber like the AWD Mammotion Luba series, that extra 5% buffer is valuable. If your lawn has moderate slopes that are right on the borderline of what the Segway can handle, the YardCare offers a little more torque and traction to prevent getting stuck.
3. Technology: Cameras on a Budget Both mowers use a camera to assist the GPS.
- Segway’s VisionFence is proven. It identifies objects (pets, hoses) and navigates around them intelligently.
- YardCare’s 3D Vision is a newer implementation. While impressive for a $599 machine, we expect the software refinement to be slightly behind Segway. However, the fact that it has a camera at all means it won’t just stop dead under a tree like older RTK-only models.
Part 3: The “Brand Risk” Factor
When you buy a Segway, you are paying for the App polish and customer support. The setup is smooth, and the English translation is perfect.
With challengers like YardCare, you are trading that polish for raw performance per dollar. The App might have a few translation quirks, and customer support relies heavily on Amazon’s 30-day return policy rather than a dedicated dealer network.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Who should save the $200 and buy YardCare? If you have a flat lawn (or steep hills) and you prefer your grass short, the YardCare M800Plus is an absolute steal. It gives you 90% of the functionality of a flagship mower. It is the perfect entry point for DIYers who want wire-free tech without breaking the bank.
Who should spend the extra $200 for Segway? If you have Cool Season Grass (Fescue/Bluegrass) that needs to be cut high (>3 inches), you must choose the Segway Navimow i105N. The low cut of the YardCare will be frustrating for you. Additionally, if you value a polished App experience and guaranteed customer support, Segway is the safer bet.
🏆 Best Value (Under $600)
- 🧗 Climbing Beast: Handles 35% slopes.
- 🔋 Big Battery: 100 min runtime.
- 📡 Tech: RTK + 3D Vision Camera.
- ⚠️ Note: Low Cut Only (Max 2.4″).
*Check for coupons!
🛡️ Best Overall & Support
- 🌿 Tall Grass: Cuts up to 3.6 inches.
- 🧠 Smart AI: VisionFence technology.
- 📱 Polished App: Easy setup & mapping.
- 🤝 Support: Reliable warranty.
*Currently $799