Mova ViAX 250 review: the affordable wire-free robotic lawn mower

Launched at €579, the ViAX 250 undercuts prices to an unusual degree in the new-generation robotic lawn mower category. As well as doing away with boundary wires and RTK antennas, Mova promises high-quality autonomous mowing and precise navigation. The question is what such a keen price conceals… To find out, we spent several weeks living with it.

Much like the robot vacuum market, the robotic lawn mower sector has undergone a genuine transformation over the past three mowing seasons. Determined to challenge established names such as Husqvarna, Gardena and Bosch, a host of Asian brands have entered the market with considerable ambition.

Whether Dreame, Mammotion, Ecovacs, Navimow, Mova or, since this year, Roborock, these companies are now multiplying their product ranges with one objective in mind: making wire-free robotic lawn mowers without RTK antennas far more affordable and easier to use.

Aware of this momentum, the Presse-Citron editorial team is currently testing several models to provide a comprehensive overview of the options available, taking account of both budgets and different garden types.

While the models we tested in 2025, including the Dreame A2 and eufy E18, were closer to €2,000, we are opening 2026 with a considerably more aggressively priced product: the Mova ViAX 250. Sold from €579, this robotic lawn mower targets small gardens of up to 250 m², with an appealing promise on paper: effective mowing, advanced obstacle detection and straightforward installation.

To achieve this, unlike the Mova 600, which relies on a 3D LiDAR sensor, the ViAX 250 chiefly uses a dual HDR camera system supported by artificial intelligence called UltraEyes 1.0. After several weeks of mowing, it is time to see whether this pared-back formula is convincing enough, even for the smallest patches of lawn.

Design and installation: a robotic lawn mower designed to make life easier

This is the central promise of new-generation robotic lawn mowers: simplifying installation by eliminating the need for a boundary wire or RTK antenna to place around the garden. On this point, the ViAX 250 delivers exactly as promised, as it took us around 45 minutes from unboxing to creating the first map.

Measuring 59.5 x 38 x 27.2 cm and weighing 9.4 kg, the robot is compact. By comparison, a more upmarket model such as the Segway Navimow i208 LiDAR weighs more than 14 kg. Mova has opted for an understated visual design, combining matt and glossy plastics for the body, while the front houses the two HDR cameras responsible for navigation and obstacle detection. Although it does not necessarily look especially futuristic, the ViAX 250 feels reassuringly solid rather than like a fragile gadget.

Its top section contains a control panel concealed under a protective cover, bringing together the essential controls. It can be used to start or stop mowing, send the robot back to its charging station, or switch it on. There is also a dial for manually setting the cutting height from 20 to 60 mm. To keep costs down, Mova has omitted a screen. This is not especially troublesome, as almost all interactions take place in the app.

Once the robot is connected to Wi-Fi, the app takes the user efficiently through the various setup stages. Unlike certain high-end robots that can map a plot automatically, the ViAX 250 requires an initial lap of the garden to establish its boundaries. It is quite an enjoyable process, rather like using a remote-controlled car, as the robot is nimble thanks to its very tight turning circle.

Mapping: a stage that should not be rushed

As mentioned above, the ViAX 250 cannot rely on LiDAR navigation. It is therefore crucial to provide it with as much additional information as possible to help it understand its surroundings. For example, we recommend taking time to set no-go areas around flower beds, trees with exposed roots and garden furniture.

The app also lets you create different zones and passageways if your garden is divided by a path or patio. With this type of entry-level robot, navigation quality will depend heavily on how carefully you carry out the initial mapping.

Fortunately, the MOVA app is straightforward to get to grips with, even for people taking their first steps into the world of robotic lawn mowers. It allows you to schedule mowing times, alter cutting and edge settings, and view the history of completed runs.

Another pleasant surprise at this price is the monitoring feature. Beyond merely viewing the camera feed, the app offers a proper “Patrol” mode. The robot then follows the selected edges by itself for the desired number of laps, taking photographs as it goes. It is useful for keeping an eye on the garden, especially as the robot can also act as an intercom through a “Talk” function.

Naturally, some more sophisticated features remain exclusive to pricier models. These include a 3D garden representation, multi-map management and options for more precisely tailoring the robot’s behaviour to each mowing zone. Then again, the ViAX 250 cannot offer everything.

Navigation: once properly prepared, the ViAX 250 is convincing

We have stressed the importance of mapping because we did not take the time to do it properly ourselves on the first occasion. As a result, during the initial mowing sessions, it was hesitant and became stuck several times in an adjoining gravel area. The same happened near a tree, where the robot repeatedly bumped into the trunk before getting stuck.

However, once these elements had been entered, the ViAX 250’s behaviour changed dramatically. Its hesitation almost disappeared, and it made more sensible route choices. Despite the lack of LiDAR, Mova has not entirely neglected navigation. The ViAX 250 draws on two HDR cameras and several sensors to analyse its environment. In practice, it always managed to cover the area to be cut without seeming to wander around aimlessly.

We also liked its large, treaded rear wheels and manoeuvrability. The ViAX 250 handled tight spaces and small uneven sections comfortably. It should not, however, be mistaken for a four-wheel-drive model. It fulfils its purpose in a flat 250 m² garden without any major difficulties. On the other hand, it is best avoided if your garden has very rough ground or steep slopes.

Obstacle detection is another satisfying aspect. Throughout our weeks of testing, the robot correctly recognised objects in its path and carefully went around them. The only drawback is that real-time tracking in the app lags slightly behind the robot’s actual location. It is not a deal-breaker, but it is worth knowing.

Mowing: a useful manual mode for refining the edges

The ViAX 250 remains true to its overall philosophy when it comes to cutting: keeping things simple to control costs. It uses a disc fitted with three pivoting blades, while cutting height can only be adjusted manually, from 20 to 60 mm, via a dial beneath the top cover. It cannot therefore be changed in the app.

Likewise, the mowing options focus on the essentials. You can start a full mow, target a particular zone or concentrate solely on edges. Each option offers a choice of Standard or Efficient mode, allowing its behaviour to be adapted to your needs, whether for a simple tidy-up or the first cut of spring.

In use, the ViAX 250 was rather convincing. It covers the area methodically, producing an even finish without missed strips. Nevertheless, as with most robotic lawn mowers, its weak point is edging. Without LiDAR or a dedicated function, it struggles to cut very close to walls and obstacles.

This is where Mova has found a small workaround. Aware of these limitations, it allows the ViAX 250 to be controlled through the app for a few manual touch-ups. As when mapping, you simply guide it, activate mowing and finish the task together.

In our roughly 200 m² garden, around ten minutes was enough to deal with the most stubborn edges. So why buy a robotic lawn mower if you still have to assist it? Some will inevitably see this as a constraint. For our part, we appreciate this practical approach.

Battery life: just enough

Along with the lack of LiDAR, battery life is the other major trade-off with this ViAX 250. In our 198 m² test area, the robot had to make several return trips to its station before completing the job. Like its rivals, as soon as its battery approaches 15%, it goes back to recharge before resuming mowing where it left off.

Before reaching that point, it can cover around 60 m² in one hour, followed by 45 minutes of charging. Overall, it therefore took nearly five and a half hours to finish our patch of lawn. Extrapolating from this, covering the maximum 250 m² claimed by Mova will require just over seven hours in total between mowing and charging.

That amounts to a full working day, without overtime. It is not a major issue in itself, but if you are having friends over for a barbecue, it is better to set it working the day before rather than that very morning.

Our verdict on the Mova ViAX 250 robotic lawn mower

So, what is a wire-free robotic lawn mower without a boundary wire or RTK antenna, priced below €600, worth? Ultimately, the answer comes down to one word: compromise.

The Mova ViAX 250 has neither LiDAR nor exceptional battery life. Its mowing customisation is also less sophisticated than that of its more expensive rivals. Nonetheless, Mova delivers on its promise. The ViAX 250 does the essential things the brand says it will do. Installation is quick, the app is pleasant to use and, once mapping has been completed correctly, navigation is convincing. The same applies to mowing, which delivers an even result. Better still, there is a manual steering feature for tidying up edges.

If your garden is reasonably flat, does not have too many obstacles and is no larger than 250 m², the ViAX 250 will fulfil its role perfectly. Conversely, it should not be mistaken for something it is not. Complex, highly undulating or heavily cluttered plots will be better served by more expensive models.

Whatever the case, the ViAX 250 is an excellent gateway into the world of wire-free robotic lawn mowers, particularly if you have a small suburban lawn. At €579 at launch, and sometimes around €499 when discounted, it is simple: no current model can offer such a comprehensive proposition at this price.

Mova ViAX 250

€575

8

Category	Score
Design and installation	8.0/10
Ergonomics and app	8.0/10
Mowing and navigation	7.5/10
Battery life and charging	7.0/10
Technology-to-price ratio	9.5/10

What we like

• Fast installation
• Clear, comprehensive Mova app
• Effective obstacle detection and even mowing results
• Highly practical manual steering mode for refining edges
• Unbeatable technology-to-price ratio for a wire-free robotic lawn mower

What we like less

• No LiDAR, so the initial mapping requires care
• Battery life limited to 60 m² per charge
• Cutting height can only be adjusted using the dial
• No 3D map or detailed settings by zone
• Edges require manual touch-ups

Buy the Mova ViAX 250