Husqvarna Automower 405XE NERA review: effortless lawn care with pro-level cutting

One of the biggest developments in home robotics we've seen in 2025 so far is with robot lawn mowers. Some of the latest models are incredibly impressive, and brands like Mammotion and Segway have brought strong competition to the market. However, it wasn’t until I was invited to Sweden earlier this year to see Husqvarna’s lineup in action that I realised just how far things have come.

I was blown away during those few days in Sweden, and that feeling hasn’t changed since one of Husqvarna's mowers arrived on my doorstep for review. I’ve been relying on the Husqvarna Automower 405XE NERA ever since, and I now couldn’t imagine being without it.

Husqvarna Automower 405XE NERA review: price and availability

The 405XE NERA retails for around £2,389 (about $3,200) and is available directly from Husqvarna or through garden equipment specialists like Platts Robotics and Garden Machinery Direct.

I’ve been reviewing the wire-free version, but there is a wired version available that comes in about £400 cheaper. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, I’d strongly suggest reading up on the pros and cons of each before deciding.

Yes, this is definitely a premium price, but I can confidently say it’s worth it. You can get robot mowers for less, but the results from this Husqvarna model speak for themselves.

Husqvarna Automower 405XE NERA review: unboxing and setup

Setup isn’t exactly simple, but the good news is that Husqvarna sends someone out to handle it for you. You’ll need at least one outdoor socket and a reasonably clear view of the sky, and too many trees or a weak internet signal can cause issues as well. If these aren’t in place when the installer arrives, they won’t be able to complete the setup.

In my case, installation took around an hour and a half, including software updates and burying some wiring (see below) to get around a tree blocking the signal. Once it’s all done, the mower maps out your lawn precisely, which is brilliant for gardens with irregular shapes or uneven areas.

It’s also worth noting that even though it’s wire-free in terms of boundaries, a small reference wire may still need to be laid out around the garden during setup. So, it’s not completely cable-free in every scenario.

Husqvarna Automower 405XE NERA review: design and features

The 405XE NERA is made for medium-sized gardens and uses Husqvarna’s EPOS (Exact Positioning Operating System) which relies on satellite positioning to create virtual mowing zones. These are all set up through the Automower Connect app, which is genuinely one of the best smart gardening apps I’ve used in a while.

The mower can handle up to 900 square meters using a systematic mowing pattern and around 600 square meters when operating randomly. It features a 22cm cutting width and has two spinning discs, each with three razor-sharp blades that deliver clean, consistent cuts. There’s also an EdgeCut feature that helps it mow as close to borders as possible, reducing the need for manual trimming.

The mower uses radar sensors and GPS guidance to avoid obstacles and can handle narrow passages or tricky layouts without getting stuck. It tackles slopes of up to 30% within the lawn area and 20% at the perimeter, so it’s great for slightly hilly gardens too.

In terms of safety and security, the mower includes GPS tracking, PIN code locking, geofencing alerts, lift and tilt sensors, and even an alarm. It’s also IPX5-rated weatherproof, meaning it can handle rain and rough weather. There’s also a Frost Guard, which prevents it from mowing when temperatures drop too low.

Battery performance is solid, with the mower running for about 100 minutes on a charge and recharging in around 90 minutes. It’s incredibly quiet too, operating at around 60dB, so you can easily run it at night without disturbing anyone.

Husqvarna Automower 405XE NERA review: app

Husqvarna's robot mowers are operated via the Automower Connect app, providing users with full remote control from anywhere in the world. You can schedule mowing times, change cutting heights and create different mowing profiles for specific garden zones, and track the mower in real time.

The app is beautifully designed, with smooth animations and a clean layout that makes it really easy to use. I was able to integrate it fully into my smart home, but did find myself operating it via the app and not through my smart speaker.

Husqvarna Automower 405XE NERA review: performance

Honestly, the best thing about the 405XE NERA has to be the way it cuts. It trims the lawn so cleanly and consistently that even though it doesn’t look like it’s doing much whilst it’s running, you’ll start seeing the difference really quickly. I’ve found that 3.5cm is the sweet spot for my lawn, as it’s short enough to look neat but long enough to avoid the grass getting scorched.

I’m also really impressed by how well it handles the weather. There are accessories like little garages you can buy to give it some cover, but I’ve left mine out in the rain plenty of times and it’s been fine. In fact, it’s smart enough to detect rain and pause mowing until the grass is dry again, which helps protect both your lawn and the mower.

Now, like most robot mowers, it’s not perfect when it comes to the edges. I still need to run a strimmer around the borders every couple of weeks, but that’s nothing compared to the work I’d be doing without it.

Also, whilst the mower has obstacle detection, it’s not flawless. I accidentally left a sprinkler on the lawn one day and the mower drove over it and destroyed it. That was disappointing – especially since it should have picked up on it – but I’ll put it down to a one-off mistake as it’s handled every other obstacle without issue.

Husqvarna Automower 405XE NERA review: verdict

Overall, the Husqvarna Automower 405XE NERA is a seriously impressive, wire-free robot mower. It’s perfect for medium-sized gardens, handles slopes and tricky layouts like a pro, and it runs extremely quietly. Setup is a bit of a process and it could be better at trimming the edges, but its performance, smart features and hassle-free upkeep absolutely justify the price tag.

Husqvarna Automower 405XE NERA review: alternatives to consider

If you want to stick with wire-free, I'd strongly recommend the Mammotion LUBA 2 AWD. It’s got incredible GPS navigation, lays down stripes like a pro and the setup is a breeze – ideal if you just want top results with minimal fuss.

If you're on a tighter budget, the Lawnmaster L10 is a solid, affordable option for lawns up to 400 m². It’s nowhere near as smart or flashy, but for hundreds less, it delivers surprisingly strong results for smaller spaces.