Anthbot M5 LiDAR vs Yard Force NX100i
Quick take: The Anthbot M5 LiDAR skips the boundary-wire install entirely while the Yard Force NX100i needs a perimeter wire laid but doesn't care about tree cover or satellite signal; the Yard Force NX100i is rated for a larger lawn (14,520 sq ft); the Anthbot M5 LiDAR is rated for steeper ground (45%); the Yard Force NX100i cuts taller (up to 2.9"), which matters for fescue and warm-season grasses; the Anthbot M5 LiDAR has built-in cellular for GPS tracking and away-from-home control.
| Spec | Anthbot M5 LiDAR | Yard Force NX100i |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$799 | ~$799 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Navigation | LiDAR | Boundary Wire |
| Max Lawn Size | 5,382 sq ft (5,382 sq ft) | 14,520 sq ft (14,520 sq ft) |
| Max Slope | 45% (24°) | 40% (22°) |
| Cutting Width | 7.9" | 7" |
| Cut Height | 1.2"–2.8" | 1.3"–2.9" |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
| Runtime | 40 min | 90 min |
| Charge Time | 60 min | — |
| Noise | 58 dB | — |
| Weight | — | — |
| Obstacle Detection | LiDAR plus dual-camera AI trained on 1,000+ object types; detected soft toys reliably in testing, brushed small round objects, and resumes the row instead of abandoning it. | iRadar active ultrasonic sensors on the nose detect furniture, pets and toys ahead and steer around them; bumper, lift and tilt sensors back them up and a rain sensor sends it to dock. |
| Edge Cutting | Yes | No |
| Rain Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular | Yes | No |
| Anti-Theft | App alerts on lift or movement, PIN lock, 4G location | PIN code lock with lift and tilt alarm; no GPS tracking |
| Warranty | 3-year limited (2-year battery), per Anthbot policy | 2-year limited |
Pros & cons
Anthbot M5 LiDAR
- ✓Nothing to mount: no RTK station, no wire, mapping in minutes
- ✓LiDAR keeps position under trees and beside buildings where the RTK M5 drops out
- ✓Fine-grained edge behaviour settings per boundary type reduced trimming in testing
- ✓Resumes its row after an obstacle instead of leaving strips
- ✓Rain sensor, 20 zones and IPX6 for the same money as many RTK-only mowers
- ✗About 40 minutes per charge on a 2.5 Ah pack, so even 500 m2 takes several cycles
- ✗Slight snaking through narrow passages compared with RTK positioning
- ✗Two-wheel drive; not for lumpy or steep ground
- ✗4G monitoring becomes a paid service after the trial
Yard Force NX100i
- ✓Ultrasonic sensors avoid pets and patio furniture before contact, rare under $1,000
- ✓$799 with Home Depot and Lowe's availability, so returns and parts are local
- ✓Rain sensor, lift and tilt cutouts and PIN lock all included
- ✓CloudHawk app handles scheduling and cut height without touching the mower
- ✗7 in deck and random pattern mean a full 1/3 acre can take two days to finish
- ✗2.9 in maximum height is too low for lawns kept at 3 in or more
- ✗No GPS, mapping or cellular, so theft recovery is a PIN and an alarm