NotebookCheck’s Take on RoboUP Raccoon 2 SE: A Budget-Friendly Wire-Free Mower for Small Gardens
NotebookCheck recently published a full hands-on review of the RoboUP Raccoon 2 SE, written by reviewer Marcus Schwarten, taking a close look at how this new wire-free robot mower performs in real gardens. His conclusion? The Raccoon 2 SE stands out as an affordable, simple, and cable-free mowing solution for small, clearly bordered lawns. Below is a summarized and rephrased breakdown of his findings, with comments on performance, strengths, and weaknesses coming directly from his review.
A New Entry for 2026: Affordable, Compact, and No Wires Needed
According to NotebookCheck, the Raccoon 2 SE arrives as a noticeably budget-conscious alternative in the wire-free mower category. Unlike expensive RTK or LiDAR mowers, it uses a camera with AI-trained boundary detection, allowing it to mow without perimeter wires or base-station antennas. For many homeowners, this instantly makes setup far easier.
Marcus also notes that the mower is designed for lawns up to 500m², though he highlights that the Raccoon 2 SE works best on small, enclosed gardens with clear lawn edges.
Setup & Ease of Use: Simple, App-Free Option
Marcus highlights as a major advantage that the Raccoon 2 SE can be used with or without the App, making it accessible even for buyers who dislike smartphone-dependent products. Manual setup is handled via the onboard controls, while the App adds features like:
1. Automated/manual mapping
2. Cutting-height adjustment
3. Schedules
4. Multi-zone support (up to 3 areas)
He did note that moving between zones requires Beacon markers, which he found functional but less seamless than premium RTK systems.
Performance: Good for Smaller Spaces
Marcus observed that the mower’s navigation is most efficient in compact environments. On larger lawns close to the 500m² limit, the Raccoon uses a more random mowing pattern, which can take longer to achieve full coverage.
He also noted several strong positives:
1. Quiet operation (~55 dB)
2. Good cutting results for daily maintenance
3. Long runtime often exceeding 150 minutes
4. Reliable detection of larger obstacles
Edge cutting leaves small uncut strips, something Marcus notes is normal even among higher-end mowers.
Interested in reading the original breakdown? Click here!
Value & Who It’s For
Marcus describes the Raccoon 2 SE as a “very affordable” wire-free robot mower, offering strong value compared with premium alternatives. While improvements could be made in boundary precision and small-object detection, he views these as acceptable trade-offs for the price point.
He believes the mower is ideal for:
1. Small to medium, enclosed lawns
2. Anyone wanting wire-free setup
3. Homeowners wanting simple, app-optional controls
4. Buyers searching for a budget-friendly smart mower
Early Kickstarter prices start from €300 to €500, compared with an expected €600 retail price.
Final Thoughts and Why Now’s the Best Time to Buy
Based on NotebookCheck’s review, the Raccoon 2 SE is a strong option for homeowners seeking a simple, quiet, affordable robot mower that avoids the complexity and cost of RTK or LiDAR systems. It’s not trying to be the most high-tech mower, it’s designed to be practical, easy, and accessible.
And right now, early backers get the lowest price the mower will ever have. So what are you waiting for?
Back the Raccoon 2 SE now!