Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR Pro vs STIHL iMOW 5 EVO
Quick take: The Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR Pro costs $31 less; the Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR Pro skips the boundary-wire install entirely while the STIHL iMOW 5 EVO needs a perimeter wire laid but doesn't care about tree cover or satellite signal; the Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR Pro is rated for a larger lawn (0.74 acres); the Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR Pro is rated for steeper ground (50%); the Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR Pro cuts taller (up to 3.54"), which matters for fescue and warm-season grasses; the STIHL iMOW 5 EVO has built-in cellular for GPS tracking and away-from-home control.
| Spec | Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR Pro | STIHL iMOW 5 EVO |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$2,499 | ~$2,530 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Navigation | LiDAR | Boundary Wire |
| Max Lawn Size | 0.74 acres (32,292 sq ft) | 16,146 sq ft (16,146 sq ft) |
| Max Slope | 50% (27°) | 45% (24°) |
| Cutting Width | 13" | 11" |
| Cut Height | 1.18"–3.54" | 0.8"–2.4" |
| Drive | RWD | RWD |
| Runtime | 160 min | 65 min |
| Charge Time | 70 min | 140 min |
| Noise | 62 dB | 61 dB |
| Weight | 40.3 lb | 33.1 lb |
| Obstacle Detection | AIVI 3D: 360-degree fisheye camera + 3D ToF + LiDAR, 200+ object types; treats grass over about 8 inches as an obstacle. | Ultrasonic sensors slow it before contact, then a hood bumper; lift and tilt sensors; no cameras. |
| Edge Cutting | Yes | Yes |
| Rain Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular | No | Yes |
| Anti-Theft | PIN lock + lift alarm; geofence Distance Alarm needs the optional 4G module | PIN, alarm and GPS-based home-area lock via app |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (Ecovacs US standard policy) | 2-year limited (residential, via STIHL dealer; confirm at purchase) |
Pros & cons
Ecovacs GOAT A3000 LiDAR Pro
- ✓Longest runtime of any GOAT: about 160 minutes per charge
- ✓Trimmer cuts 75-90% of manual edging out of the routine
- ✓Maps in about five minutes and works under tree canopy where RTK fails
- ✓$500 cheaper than the 2025 non-Pro A3000 it replaced, with more features
- ✓Rain sensing works well and it waits about three hours after rain before resuming
- ✗82 dBA with the trimmer running is loud for a robot mower
- ✗Mistakes grass over 8 inches and lawn bumps for obstacles, leaving tufts
- ✗Boxy body cannot follow tightly curved borders with the trimmer
- ✗Amazon owner ratings sit in the high 3s: blade wear and app fiddling are common gripes
- ✗Anti-theft is just a PIN unless you buy the $99.99 4G module
STIHL iMOW 5 EVO
- ✓Systematic lane mowing and a floating three-blade disc give a clean, even finish
- ✓Ultrasonic sensors slow it before contact instead of relying only on the bumper
- ✓Rain sensor with adjustable response and GPS home-area lock in the app
- ✓Mobile network module included, so remote control does not depend on home Wi-Fi
- ✓Light 33 lb body with tool-free blade changes and an LED matrix display
- ✗Boundary and guide wire must be installed; the biggest install job in this batch
- ✗Only 65 minutes per charge with a 140-minute full recharge
- ✗T3's reviewer hit repeated app logouts and could not get flush cuts along raised edges
- ✗Dealer-only distribution and about $2,530 for 0.37 acre, more than wire-free rivals
- ✗No US retailer ratings published yet