Handyhase Reviews the RoboUP Raccoon 2 SE: A Breakthrough Budget-Friendly, Wire-Free Robot Mower Under €500
Nathan L. - 2025/11/28
The Raccoon 2 SE is shaping up to be one of the most promising robot mowers for the 2026 season, especially for homeowners who want modern wire-free technology without paying €1,000+. In a recent test by Handyhase, reviewer Berti Kolbow-Lehradt examined whether this affordable model can truly compete with higher-priced competitors. Here's a full breakdown of his findings.
Why the Raccoon 2 SE Stands Out
- A wire-free robot mower under €500
- AI camera navigation instead of boundary wires or GPS antennas
- Quick setup in minutes, even for beginners
- Designed for small to medium lawns up to 500m²/5400 sq. ft.
- Very easy to operate, with optional App control
This positions it as a strong contender for anyone seeking an affordable, wire-free robot mower for simple garden layouts.
Unboxing the Raccoon 2 SE: Compact but Capable
The Raccoon 2 SE is the compact sibling of RoboUP’s TM01 Series. It’s built specifically for smaller gardens and tight pathways, featuring:
- Front-wheel drive and a slim chassis that fits corridors down to 80cm
- A downward-angled AI camera for boundary and obstacle detection
- Three rotating blades for cutting
- Return to base station function
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi App for advanced settings
- Full on-device controls for users who prefer a 'No App' experience
This makes the mower particularly attractive to homeowners wanting simple setup and daily ease.
Setup & Auto-Mapping: Ready to Mow in Minutes
Handyhase highlighted the effortless setup of the Raccoon 2 SE as one of its biggest advantages. With no boundary wires, GPS antennas, or complex calibration to worry about, the mower was ready to work just minutes after unboxing. In the test, setup required only attaching the bumper, placing the charging dock along the lawn edge, and pressing Auto-Mapping. From there, the robot scanned the area and generated a complete map, accurately detecting lawn edges and obstacles without any manual help.
For gardens with multiple zones or narrow connecting passages, the Raccoon 2 SE uses magnetic beacons to guide it through corridors, provided spacing guidelines are met. Manual mapping is also available through the App, though Handyhase noted it wasn’t needed during the review.
App Controls vs. On-Device Controls
As mentioned in Handyhase’s review, RoboUP’s promise of ‘No App? No Problem.’ proved accurate during the review.
On-Device Controls Allow:
- Starting a full mow
- Selecting Area Mode
- Running a Spot Mow
- Pausing & return to station
- Checking status manually
App Controls Add:
- Scheduling
- Nighttime wildlife protection (no mowing at night)
- Edge trimming adjustments
- Manual joystick steering
- Map viewing and settings
*One limitation noted:
Maps cannot be edited, so changes to the lawn require a new map.
Performance: Reliable Navigation and Strong Object Detection
Strong Points:
- Accurate boundary recognition
- Careful object avoidance (legs, trees, toys, buckets, hedgehog figures)
- Reliable rain-detection
- Smooth operation over several days
Where Improvement Is Possible:
- Edge trimming felt too cautious in the test
- Complex gardens with narrow, obstructed paths may require more manual support
*RoboUP has noted that edge trimming sensitivity will be refined with software updates.
Final Verdict: Excellent Value for the 2026 Season
Handyhase concludes that the Raccoon 2 SE offers some of the best wire-free robot mower performance under €500.
Strong Points:
- Extremely quick, wire-free setup
- Accurate AI boundary detection
- Reliable and careful obstacle avoidance
- Easy operation with or without the App
- Excellent value, especially with Kickstarter pricing
Where Improvement Is Possible:
- Edge trimming precision
- Handling very complex garden layouts
Read Handyhase's original article.
Should You Choose the Raccoon 2 SE?
If you have a small or simple garden up to 500m²/5400 sq. ft. and want a wire-free, hassle-free mower with one-button operation, strong AI object detection, and an affordable price, the Raccoon 2 SE is an excellent fit. It delivers reliable performance for its segment, and with the combined Kickstarter and Black Friday pricing, it becomes an even more compelling alternative to higher-priced wire-free models.
If you're considering a smart mower this season, now is the best time to back it! Check out the Raccoon 2 SE on Kickstarter and secure yours today.
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