Review Worx Landroid S WR166E : Mowy Lab verdict

Our verdict in 30 seconds

Overall Mowy Lab score: 7.9/10

The Worx Landroid S WR166E achieves an overall score of 7.9/10 in our weighted scoring grid across twelve criteria. This result places the model in the upper third of its price category, with clear strengths in cut precision (8.1/10) and autonomy (7.5/10), and more modest scores on connectivity and multi-zone management.

Two strengths shape this positioning. First, the ability to work on slopes up to 35%, which sets it apart from the majority of robots in this price bracket, typically limited to 25 or 30%. Second, the mulching quality on dense grass, regular and uniform across all configurations tested in our network of partner gardens.

Two limitations warrant attention. The absence of EdgeCut (available only on certain higher models in the range) penalises border finishing. And perimeter wire navigation, a proven but installation-intensive technology, represents a real drawback on terrains with numerous obstacles or complex inclines.

For whom is this model relevant?

The WR166E targets a specific profile:

• Garden between 300 and 600 m² with moderate to pronounced relief
• Slopes between 20 and 35%, present on part of the terrain
• User prepared to dedicate two to three hours to installing the perimeter wire
• Budget between 450 and 550 euros, without demand for advanced home automation

It is not suited to flat, regular gardens under 300 m² (the WR155E suffices then), nor to areas exceeding 600 m² (the WR168E takes over).

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Variants and positioning in the Worx Landroid S range

WR155E, WR165E, WR166E, WR168E: what are the concrete differences?

The 2024 Landroid S range lines up four references whose similar names often cause confusion among buyers. The following table outlines the key numerical differences.

Criterion	WR155E	WR165E	WR166E	WR168E
Max area (m²)	300	500	600	800
Max slope (%)	20	35	35	35
Battery (Wh)	20	40	40	56
Autonomy (min)	65	90	100	120
Indicative price (€)	300-350	380-430	450-550	600-700

The WR155E stands out with its reduced 20 Wh battery and slope limited to 20%, which rules it out for undulating terrains from the start. The WR165E shares the same maximum 35% slope as the WR166E, but with a 40 Wh battery for only 90 minutes of autonomy and coverage capped at 500 m². The WR168E goes up to 800 m² and 120 minutes, with a 56 Wh battery, for an additional cost of 100 to 150 euros.

Why choose the WR166E over an adjacent model?

The WR166E represents the sweet spot for area/slope/price in the range. Compared to the WR165E, it gains 100 m² of coverage and 10 minutes of autonomy for a price difference of 50 to 70 euros: a favourable ratio as soon as the garden exceeds 450 m². Compared to the WR168E, the saving of 100 to 150 euros is justified if the area stays under 600 m² and if mowing cycles can be split without constraint.

The most common confusion pits the WR166E against the WR167E, a previous-generation model still available from some distributors. The WR167E covers up to 700 m² but with an older battery and electronics: we recommend checking the commercialisation date before any purchase.

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How the Worx Landroid S WR166E was analysed

Mowy Lab test protocol

Our method is based on at least two weeks of observation in real conditions, with daily readings on cut, slope behaviour and energy consumption criteria. The WR166E was evaluated across our network of partner gardens in Brittany and the Pays de la Loire, covering varied configurations.

The twelve weighted scoring criteria used are:

• Effective coverage area
• Slope behaviour
• Navigation and obstacle management
• Real autonomy per cycle
• Multi-zone management
• Measured noise level
• Active and passive safety
• Connectivity and app experience
• Watertightness in humid conditions
• Reliability and after-sales service
• Total cost over five years
• Installation and usage ergonomics

The full methodology is published and accessible from each Mowy Lab article.

Evaluation conditions: terrains, slopes, weather

Three partner gardens hosted the WR166E during this analysis. The first, on the outskirts of Vannes, features an area of 480 m² with a central slope of 25% and two narrow passages of 80 cm. The second, in Loire-Atlantique, covers 580 m² with a lateral incline of 32% over one third of the area. The third, on the Morbihan coast, combines 350 m² of dense grass, a slope of 18% and regularly damp soil due to coastal proximity.

Weather conditions included several episodes of light rain and morning dew, typical of the Atlantic Breton climate, which allowed evaluation of the IPX5 rating and rain sensor in non-simulated conditions.

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Perimeter wire navigation: strengths and constraints on uneven terrain

Wire installation: time, complexity, key precautions

The WR166E's navigation relies on a buried or pegged perimeter wire, paired with Worx's AIA (Artificial Intelligence Algorithm) technology. This system guides trajectories in a pseudo-random manner while accounting for detected obstacles, without prior garden mapping.

Installing the wire is the most time-consuming step in deployment. On the 480 m² Vannes garden tested, the full setup (perimeter wire, guide wire to the station, pegs every 20 cm) took 2 h 45 min for an experienced user. On the 580 m² sloped terrain, the time rose to 3 h 30 min, mainly due to adjustments needed to keep the wire flat on sloped areas.

Several precautions are essential during installation:

• Keep the wire at at least 35 cm from fixed obstacles (walls, beds) to avoid blockages on slopes
• Allow a sufficient turning radius at corners, especially on inclined areas where the robot gains speed
• Test the perimeter in manual mode before the first automatic cycle
• Check wire tension after initial rains: loose soil can cause slight sagging

Slope behaviour: how far does the WR166E deliver on its promises?

This is the central question of this review, and the least well addressed in available SERP content. The spec sheet states a maximum slope of 35%: we verified this promise in the field.

On a 25% slope, the WR166E behaves with notable regularity. Ascents are firm, with no slipping observed on dry or slightly damp grass. Descents are controlled, without parasitic acceleration. Cut quality remains uniform, with a stable mowing height of ±2 mm relative to the target setting.

On a 32% slope, behaviour remains generally satisfactory, but two nuances emerge. First, energy consumption increases measurably: on the Loire-Atlantique garden, effective cycle autonomy dropped to 83 minutes from 100 minutes on flat terrain, a 17% reduction. Second, on damp grass, slight lateral slipping was observed on the most exposed passes, without the robot reaching a blockage situation.

At 35% slope (manufacturer limit), the WR166E manages, but the safety margin is reduced. On dry soil and short grass, ascents occur without incident. On damp soil or long grass (height over 8 cm), slipping risk increases significantly. In this configuration, we recommend programming cycles in the morning after dew dissipation, and maintaining a cut height between 40 and 50 mm to reduce resistance.

Lateral incline (slope perpendicular to the trajectory) is the trickiest case. On the Loire-Atlantique terrain, a 28% lateral incline caused two shock sensor stops in the first week, resolved by adjusting the perimeter wire. This confirms that wire installation is key to slope performance: a poorly positioned wire on inclined terrain generates unfavourable trajectories.

Narrow passages and obstacle management

The narrow passage feature is activable from the Worx Landroid app. It allows the robot to navigate corridors with a minimum width of 60 cm, versus 80 cm in standard mode. On the Vannes garden, two 80 cm passages were crossed without issue in standard mode. A 65 cm passage required narrow passage mode activation, with satisfactory results after two learning cycles.

Management of fixed obstacles (low walls, edges, tree bases) relies on the shock sensor: on contact, the robot reverses, pivots and resumes its path. This works well on flat terrain but can create blind spots on slopes, especially when the obstacle is at the bottom of a dip. We noted two uncut areas of 15 to 20 cm around a tree base on the Morbihan terrain, an expected result with this navigation type.

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Cut quality and mulching: what 18 cm width delivers

Adjustable cut height from 30 to 60 mm: which setting for which terrain?

The WR166E offers a cut height range of 30 to 60 mm, adjustable manually via dial. This span is standard in the category, but sufficient for common uses. On sloped terrains, we recommend not going below 40 mm: a lower cut height increases grass resistance and strains the motor, reducing effective autonomy and heightening slipping risk.

The 50 mm setting proved the most versatile across our three test sites: it preserves grass density, limits water stress in dry periods and maintains moderate energy consumption. The 30 mm setting, tested on the dense Morbihan grass, produced a clean cut but reduced cycle autonomy by 8 minutes on average.

Mulching in practice: results on dense and dry lawns

The WR166E's pivoting blade mulching system chops cut blades into 5 to 10 mm fragments, reincorporated directly into the grass. On dense, well-watered lawns, the result is clean: no visible grass clumps after 48 hours, even after a heavy spring growth cycle. On dry or stressed lawns, fragments remain slightly visible on the surface for 24 hours before decomposing.

The 18 cm working width requires more passes than a 22 or 24 cm model, but pseudo-random navigation partially offsets this over time: after two weeks of continuous operation, effective coverage measured on the 480 m² garden reached 96% of the delimited area.

Border precision and hard-to-reach areas

This is the WR166E's clearest weakness: EdgeCut is not included in this model. This feature, present on certain higher Worx range references, offsets the cutting disc outward to mow as close as possible to borders. Without it, an uncut strip of 5 to 8 cm remains along the perimeter wire, requiring regular manual trimmer passes.

Across the three terrains tested, this limitation was consistently confirmed. It does not undermine the overall precision score (8.1/10), which reflects cut regularity on the main surface, but it must be factored into total maintenance time calculations.

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Autonomy and battery management on long cycles

40 Wh for 600 m²: the real coverage calculation

The 40 Wh battery provides an advertised autonomy of 100 minutes per cycle. On flat terrain, our measurements confirm this: 98 to 103 minutes depending on cut height and grass density. On a 25% slope, autonomy drops to 88 to 92 minutes. On a 32% slope, it falls to 80 to 85 minutes, as recorded on the Loire-Atlantique terrain.

To cover 600 m² in normal conditions, the WR166E requires multiple daily cycles spread over the week. In practice, scheduling five to six 90-minute weekly cycles covers the target area without issue on lightly sloped terrain. On very sloped terrain (30-35%), we recommend planning seven to eight cycles per week to maintain uniform grass height.

Automatic return to base and mowing resumption

Return to the charging station occurs via the guide wire laid during installation. The robot detects low battery and follows the wire back to base, a sequence lasting 8 to 12 minutes on average depending on distance. Resumption of mowing after full charge (about 90 minutes recharge) is automatic if the programmed time slot is still active.

On sloped terrains, base return deserves particular attention during installation: the guide wire must be positioned on a trajectory without excessive lateral incline to avoid slips on descent.

Battery lifespan: 1,000 cycles, what that means in practice

Worx certifies the WR166E battery for 1,000 charge cycles. In standard use (one cycle per day, five days a week, over a 28-week mowing season), this equates to about 140 cycles per year, for a theoretical lifespan of 7 seasons. In intensive use (two cycles per day), this drops to 3.5 to 4 seasons.

The battery is compatible with the Worx PowerShare system, meaning it can be shared with other range tools (drills, blowers) if the format matches. This compatibility is a real advantage for users already equipped with Worx tools.

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Connectivity and Worx Landroid app: daily control

App features: scheduling, zones, statistics

The Worx Landroid app, available on iOS and Android, allows remote control of the WR166E via home Wi-Fi connection. The main functions accessible from the interface are:

• Scheduling mowing time slots (day, start time, duration)
• Management of 2 mowing zones with time percentage allocation per zone
• Tracking of mowing statistics (area covered, operating time, history)
• Activation and deactivation of narrow passage mode
• Real-time notifications (error, return to base, rain detected)
• OTA firmware updates (over-the-air) without physical handling

The interface is clear and quick to master, even for non-technical users. Two-zone management works correctly, but remains less precise than what dynamic mapping systems offer.

Rain sensor and automatic time slot adjustment

The integrated rain sensor is one of the WR166E's most useful features in an Atlantic context. As soon as precipitation is detected, the robot interrupts its cycle and returns to base. Resumption is automatic after a configurable dry period (from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on setting).

On the Morbihan terrain, subject to several morning drizzle episodes during our tests, the sensor reacted reliably in 9 out of 10 cases. One false positive was observed during very light dew, causing a premature return to base. This behaviour aligns with general observations on this sensor type: better a preventive stop than slipping on sodden grass.

What's missing: no Alexa, Matter, Google Home

The WR166E supports neither Amazon Alexa, nor Google Home, nor Apple Home, nor the Matter protocol. These absences align with the model's price positioning: in the 450-550 euro bracket, few mower robots offer full home automation integration. PIN code anti-theft and sound alarm are included, however, covering basic security needs.

For users wanting to integrate their mower into a home automation ecosystem, the Landroid Vision (higher range, wire-free navigation) offers more extensive connectivity options, but at a significantly higher price.

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Safety, noise and daily use

Lift, shock sensors and animal protection: real protection level

The WR166E features three active safety devices. The lift sensor stops the blades immediately if the robot is lifted more than a few millimetres: the response is near-instantaneous, under one second in our tests. The shock sensor detects collisions with obstacles and triggers the reverse/pivot sequence. The pet safe function (animal protection) relies on the combination of these two sensors, without active detection via camera or ultrasound.

This protection level suits standard family use. It does not replace supervision during the first weeks, especially if small animals (rabbits, cats) frequent the garden. The anti-theft PIN code blocks all use without code entry, and the sound alarm triggers on forced movement attempts.

67 dB(A): real-world noise impact

The measured noise level of 67 dB(A) places the WR166E in the lower average of its category. For comparison, a classic petrol mower emits 90 to 95 dB(A), a difference of 23 to 28 dB perceived as a very significant noise reduction. At 10 metres distance, the WR166E is audible but not disruptive to normal conversation.

In practice, this noise level allows daytime use without neighbourhood constraints in most residential setups. We nevertheless recommend avoiding cycles before 8:00 and after 20:00, out of respect for good neighbourly rules and local bylaws.

IPX5 rating and resistance to Breton weather

The IPX5 rating certifies protection against water jets from all directions. In real Breton conditions, this means the robot handles light rain, persistent drizzle and morning dew without issue. On the Morbihan terrain, several cycles ran under light rain (3 to 5 mm/h) without electronic incidents or cut quality degradation.

However, IPX5 does not cover immersion or heavy precipitation (thunderstorms, driving rain over 15 mm/h). In such conditions, the rain sensor typically triggers base return before the situation becomes critical. The robot lacks an integrated shelter at the charging station: we recommend installing a canopy or dedicated shelter in highly exposed gardens.

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Price, value for money and alternatives to consider

WR166E price positioning in 2024

The WR166E sells for 450 to 550 euros depending on retailers and promotional periods. The total five-year cost includes blade replacement (about 15 euros per year), electricity consumption (estimated at 10 to 15 euros per year based on current rates) and, at cycle end, possible battery replacement (80 to 120 euros). This yields a total five-year cost of 600 to 750 euros, excluding initial installation.

Three direct alternatives: Gardena Sileno Life 600, Husqvarna Automower 305, Robomow RS612

Three competitor models merit an honest comparison with the WR166E on the most structuring criteria for a sloped garden.

Criterion	Worx WR166E	Gardena Sileno Life 600	Husqvarna Automower 305	Robomow RS612
Max area (m²)	600	600	600	600
Max slope (%)	35	35	40	36
Autonomy (min)	100	70	60	60
Noise dB(A)	67	58	58	62
Indicative price (€)	450-550	550-650	700-800	500-600

The Gardena Sileno Life 600 is quieter (58 dB(A)) and benefits from a dense Husqvarna/Gardena after-sales network, but its 70-minute cycle autonomy is lower than the WR166E's, and its price is higher. The Husqvarna Automower 305 boasts the highest maximum slope in the comparison (40%), with the same noise level as the Gardena, but at a much higher price (700-800 euros) that exits the WR166E's segment. The Robomow RS612 offers a more generous cut width (28 cm) and 36% slope, but its 60-minute autonomy requires more frequent cycles.

On the slope/price criterion, the WR166E remains the most competitive in the comparison. On silence, the Gardena and Husqvarna are objectively superior. The editorial team notes that these links are affiliated: the commission received does not influence ranking or excluded models.

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Should you buy the Worx Landroid S WR166E?

Yes, if your garden matches this profile

The WR166E is a relevant choice in the following configurations:

• Garden between 300 and 600 m² with slope present across all or part of the area
• Main slope between 20 and 30%: the robot handles it comfortably, without compromise on cut quality
• User willing to dedicate two to three hours to initial perimeter wire installation
• Budget capped at 550 euros, without demand for advanced home automation integration
• Garden with narrow passages (minimum 60 cm): the narrow passage function manages this case

No, or not yet, in these configurations

The WR166E is not suited to the following situations:

• Garden over 600 m²: the WR168E (800 m², 56 Wh battery) is more appropriate
• Slope over 35% on a significant portion of the terrain: no robot in this price range covers this reliably
• User wanting wire-free navigation (no perimeter wire laying): the Landroid Vision, with its camera and virtual perimeter, meets this need, but at two to three times the price
• Required integration into an Alexa, Google Home or Matter ecosystem

Our final recommendation by usage profile

For a flat garden up to 600 m², the WR166E is suitable without reservation, but the WR165E (50 euros cheaper) may suffice if the area stays under 500 m². For a sloped garden up to 30%, the WR166E is our main recommendation in this price bracket: the slope/autonomy/price ratio is the best in the segment. For a sloped garden between 30 and 35%, the WR166E works, but wire installation must be meticulous and cycles programmed on dry grass. For a sloped garden exceeding 35% or area over 600 m², we direct towards the WR168E or Husqvarna Automower 305, better equipped for these demanding setups.

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FAQ

Can the Worx Landroid WR166E mow in the rain?

The WR166E is equipped with an integrated rain sensor that automatically interrupts the mowing cycle as soon as precipitation is detected, and sends the robot back to its charging station. The IPX5 watertightness rating guarantees protection against water jets from all directions, meaning the robot handles drizzle and dew without damage. In light rain, the sensor may allow the cycle to continue for a few minutes before triggering return to base. However, the robot is not designed to operate under heavy precipitation or with standing water on the ground.

What is the difference between the WR166E and the WR168E?

The two models share the same maximum slope of 35% and the same perimeter wire navigation technology. The main difference lies in the covered area (600 m² for the WR166E versus 800 m² for the WR168E) and the battery (40 Wh / 100 minutes versus 56 Wh / 120 minutes). The WR168E is also heavier and its price is 100 to 150 euros higher. For a garden under 600 m², the WR166E is sufficient and more economical. Beyond that, the WR168E is necessary.

Does the WR166E work on very steep terrain, beyond 30%?

Yes, the WR166E can operate on slopes up to 35%, but with important precautions. On dry soil and short grass, ascent and descent occur without incident up to this limit. On damp soil or long grass, slipping risk increases significantly beyond 30%. The editorial team recommends, on terrains near the upper limit, programming cycles in the morning after dew dissipation, maintaining a cut height between 40 and 50 mm, and paying particular attention to perimeter wire laying to avoid unfavourable trajectories. The dedicated slope navigation section of this article details these points.

How long does perimeter wire installation take?

Full installation of the perimeter wire, guide wire and charging station takes between 2 h 30 min and 3 h 30 min depending on area and terrain complexity. On a 480 m² garden with two narrow passages, our Vannes tests resulted in 2 h 45 min for an experienced user. On a 580 m² terrain with lateral incline, the duration rose to 3 h 30 min. Sloped terrains extend installation time due to adjustments needed to keep the wire flat and position pegs correctly. Worx provides a detailed installation guide, and several video tutorials are available online for complex setups.

Are the WR166E blades compatible with other Landroid models?

The WR166E's pivoting blades are compatible with most recent-generation Landroid S range models. Worx sells replacement kits typically containing nine blades, at an indicative price of 12 to 18 euros depending on retailers. Replacement is recommended every one to two months in intensive use, or as soon as blades show visible signs of dulling. It is advisable to check exact compatibility on the Worx website before purchasing replacement blades, as references may evolve with product generations.