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The key factors every pool owner needs to consider before buying
The best pool robots, ranked by our experts.
Pool owners and experts have spoken. Based on hours of testing in the test pool and thousands of robotic pool cleaner reviews from pool owners, Poolbots has released the 2024 list of the top performing robots. Each entry has its own detailed rating and review.
This year we captured a ton of debris and emptied dozens of robotic pool cleaners and found that not every robot measures up to our leaf, debris, and algae tests. We took the robotic pool cleaners in our line-up for real-world tests in a pool with various types of leaves, debris and even acorns.
As we dropped each cleaner in, we evaluated the ability to pick up varying types of debris. We evaluated the ability to climb the wall and clean the waterline. We noted he ease of cleaning the filters, and the ability of the cord to remain tangle-free for multiple cycles. We found that the best robotic pool cleaners did each of those extremely well.
The first thing to understand when shopping for a robotic pool cleaner is how manufacturers set pricing and feature sets. The entry level robotic pool cleaners are stripped down versions, often with important core features removed. For example, robots under $1,000 do not have the ability to clean the waterline. The tile at the waterline is normally one of the dirtiest areas in a pool. A robot's effectiveness depends on many factors, such as the suction power and the width of their vacuum path. We found that robots with more motors, wider vacuum paths and larger inlets took less time to do the job.
The waterline, sometimes called the tileline, is where debris, algae and bacteria may grow if not cleaned on a regular basis. A robot that leaves this area untouched defeats the purpose of having a pool robot. Robots must have special software, sensors and motors to adhere to and clean the area just above and below the tileline. Robots sold at lower price points, normally those under $1000, do not have the ability to clean the waterline.
Make sure your robot specifically lists "waterline cleaning" in addition to the typical wall cleaning. Otherwise, you'll need to clean the waterline and tile area the old fashioned way, with a brush.
Get the anti-tangle swivel. You'll thank us later. Twisted and tangled cables used to come with the territory of owning a pool cleaner. Luckily, most robotic pool cleaners now have a genuine 360 degree anti-tangle swivel. It's one of the greatest engineering achievements ever. Without a swivel, you'll spend way too much time detangling the power cord. When the power cord becomes a tangled mess, performance and efficiency both go downhill. Based on user reviews, a tangled cable is one of the leading complaints when there is no swivel on the robot.
Does your pool get a lot of leaves and debris? Dolphin Premier has the answer with Multi-Media. Rated as the Best Dolphin Pool Robot, you can choose the right media for the job. Want to clean fine debris and algae that passes through other pool cleaners? Choose MicroFilter. Need to pick up a bushel of leaves? Go oversided leaf bag.
The filter capacity is very important, especially if your pool is in an area near trees. You don't want to have to stop what you're doing every 30 minutes to empty a bag full of leaves and debris. Some robots like the Dolphin Premier have a large oversized bag that holds significant more debris than any cartridge filter. This is a very desirable feature if your pool collects a lot of leaves.
There are two types of propulsion that move robotic cleaners through the water: 2 wheel drive, 4 wheel drive and tracks. The best design for ultimate traction is the track. The contact surface of a track is much greater than even four wheels. The result is greater traction and improved efficiency. When a cleaner's wheel is spinning in place, efficiency is going to suffer.
Robotic pool cleaner repairs can be expensive. The average cost of a replacement motor is $425 with labor. A power supply will set you back at least $200. You want a cleaner with a three year warranty. Period. The cost of warranty repairs can be a shock for pool owners as some repairs end up being 50% of the robot's value. Pool robots have a hard life. There's water, sun, chlorine and a dozen other chemicals. Read a few robotic pool cleaner reviews and you'll notice that they'll need repairs from time to time. Premium robots have a 3 year warranty and you'll save enough money after one under warranty repair to cover the difference between a Premium and entry level robot. Protect your investment with the maximum warranty of 3 years.
In order of rank, the Top 3 Robotic Pool Cleaners for 2024...
From individual robots to the top pool robots for 2024, our pool experts have you covered. With hands-on experince and testing in our test pool, we've tested all of the top robotic pool cleaners to help you find the right one. Want 1-on-1 support? Contact our Pool Experts where you can call, chat, or email to get help choosing.
With decades of experince and testing over 20+ Dolphin pool cleaners in our test pools, our Pool Experts provide comprehensive reviews to guide you in finding the perfect model for your pool. From advanced navigation to powerful scrubbing features, discover which Dolphin robotic cleaners offer the best experience and value for different pool types and needs.
The newest Dolphin robotic pool cleaner, the Nautilus Pool Up is powerful, efficient, and affordable. Apart of the Evolve series, you can power up your clean.
Rated as the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner by USA Today, the Dolphin Premier made a splash as the top robot with its Multi-Media, Weekly Timer, and NanoFilters.
Living up to the ProLine name, the Dolphin Quantum has the largest filter basket ever: the XXL MaxBin with NanoFiltration.We absolutely loved it. Here's why:
NanoFilters, Gyroscopic sensors, and more combine to bring technology used in the NASA Rover to your pool as the Sigma proved more efficient and powerful.
The Dolphin Escape was awarded the Best Above-Ground and Small Inground Pool Cleaner, thanks to its innovative MaxBin, HyperBrush, and more.
Packed with value and features, the Dolphin Cayman is the best value in robotic pool cleaners. With Wall Climbing and a Weekly Timer, we put it to the test.
Without the Weekly Timer, the Dolphin Nautilus CC can no longer be fully automated. But is it still worth it? Or are there better Dolphin cleaners out there?
Without NanoFiltration and Waterline Cleaning, see if the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is still worth it in 2024 and how it compares to newer models.
The top Dolphin Nautilus pool robot, the Nautilus CC Supreme promises big things. But can it deliver and compare to the new ProLine and Max-Series?
Aiper has made a name for itself with their cordless robotic pool cleaners, designed to offer hassle-free, efficient cleaning for pool owners. Our in-depth reviews cover a range of Aiper models, exploring the unique features, performance, and reliability of each to help you decide which Aiper cleaner best suits your pool maintenance needs.
Is buying the Aiper Seagull Pro playing with fire? With reports of it catching flames, we put it to the test. See why this “Pro” might just leave you burned.
The Aiper Seagull SE may seem like a bargain, but our tests revealed weak motors and constant recharging, making it less impressive than corded options.
With a short battery life, limited performance, and disappointing filter, the Aiper Scuba S1 was a flop in our testing compared to other top pool cleaners.
Promising to build upon its predecessors, the Aiper Scuba S1 Pro looks to be a pool cleaning machine. But it's not. See what we found in our in-depth testing.
With a low price tag, the Aiper Scuba SE appears to be a fantastic pool cleaner. But after testing, it's motors, filtration, and battery life are super disappointing.
The Aiper Seagull 600 cordless robot disappointed us in our review. With a short battery life, no scrubbing brush, and constant recharging, we put it to the test.
With a poor filtration system, constant recharging, and weak suction, the Aiper 1000 misses the mark in our testing. See why and compare alternative robots.
We've tested a lot of pool cleaners over the years. From Polaris to Aiper, here's what you need to know.
Polaris has been a household name in pool cleaning for decades, but its traditional pressure and suction-side cleaners are now struggling to keep up with modern robotic models. Once known for picking up large debris with high-powered booster pumps, Polaris cleaners now face drawbacks—like high energy consumption and extra pool equipment wear. Our tests show that pressure-side models requiring booster pumps, which can draw over 700 watts, drive up utility bills and require frequent maintenance.
With standard filters, Polaris cleaners often leave finer debris behind, and their wheel-based design lacks the vertical reach of track-based models, making it difficult to clean walls and waterlines thoroughly. Polaris also falls short in warranty coverage, offering a maximum of two years, compared to three years on top Dolphin models. While Polaris remains a known brand, today’s pool owners increasingly lean toward robotic models that provide better efficiency, coverage, and convenience.
As robotic pool cleaners rise in popularity, Aiper has attracted attention—but for all the wrong reasons. After thorough testing, we have serious concerns about Aiper’s reliability and safety, making them a questionable choice for pool owners. Reports and unsettling videos online allege that Aiper’s cordless models, particularly the Seagull Pro, pose fire hazards due to defective lithium-ion batteries. There are disturbing accounts of homes catching fire, pets requiring emergency care, and serious property damage.
Coupled with questionable review practices and mediocre cleaning performance, Aiper’s reputation remains shaky. These models often lack sufficient battery life, needing frequent recharges, which turns a supposedly “hands-free” cleaner into a constant chore. For pool owners seeking dependable cleaning without risks, Aiper may not be the best choice.
Best Aiper Pool Cleaners →
| Model | Rating | Media Types | Notable Features | Capabilites | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dolphin Sigma
by Maytronics
More Info
|
Dual Oversized NanoFilters™,
Extra-High Capacity,
Algae Capable,
Dual 2 Micron Cartridge
|
Programmable Smart Timer,
Bluetooth/Phone Remote Control,
360° Anti-Tangle Swivel,
Direct Drive,
4 Scrubbing Brushes,
Triple Commercial Motors,
Scrubs Tile/Waterline,
Gyroscope Onboard,
Intelligent Navigation,
Bi-Directional Cleaning
|
3 Years |
$1,949
$1499.0
Learn More the Dolphin Sigma
|
||
|
Dolphin Premier
by Maytronics
More Info
|
Dual Oversized NanoFilters™,
Extra-High Capacity,
Multi-Media Capable,
Algae Capable,
Oversized 2 Micron Bag,
Dual 2 Micron Cartridge
|
Programamble Smart Timer,
360° Anti-Tangle Swivel,
Multi-Media Capable,
Intelligent Navigation,
Extra-High Capacity,
Dual Scrubbing Brushes,
Bi-Directional Cleaning,
Direct Drive,
Optional Caddy,
Optional Remote,
Scrubs Tile/Waterline
|
3 Years |
$1,697
$1199.0
Learn More the Dolphin Premier
|
||
|
Dolphin Quantum
by Maytronics
More Info
|
Oversized NanoFilter™ Basket,
Top Loading,
Extra-High Capacity,
SnapLoc Filters,
Algae Capable,
Variable Micron
|
Programmable Smart Timer,
Fast Water Release,
Variable Micron,
HyperGrip Tracks,
Intelligent Navigation,
HyperBrush,
Dual Scrubbing Brushes,
PowerJet 3D Mobility,
Scrubs Tile/Waterline
|
2 Years |
$1,399
$1099.0
Learn More the Dolphin Quantum
|
||
|
Aquabot Elite
by Aqua Products
More Info
|
Top Loading,
Extra-High Capacity,
Dual Cartridge,
Algae Capable
|
360° Anti-Tangle Swivel,
Intelligent Navigation,
Extra-High Capacity,
Quick Release Cartridges,
Dual Scrubbing Brushes,
Variable Interval Timer,
Caddy,
Adaptive Surface Technology
|
3 Years |
$1,299
$1,097
Learn More the Aquabot Elite
|
||
|
Dolphin Cayman
by Maytronics
More Info
|
Top Loading,
High Capacity Cartridge,
SnapLoc Filters
|
Carry Handle,
Programmable Timer,
Fast Water Release,
Intelligent Navigation,
HyperGrip Tracks,
HyperBrush
|
1 Year |
$899
$749.0
Learn More the Dolphin Cayman
|
||
|
Aquabot X4
by Aqua Products
More Info
|
Top Loading,
High Capacity Cartridge,
2 Micron Cartridge
|
ClearView Top,
360° Anti-Tangle Swivel,
Intelligent Navigation,
Variable Interval Timer,
Caddy,
High Capacity
|
3 Years |
$999
$747.0
Learn More the Aquabot X4
|
||
|
Polaris 9550 Sport
by Zodiac
|
100 Micron,
Canister
|
7-Day Timer,
Vortex Vacuum,
ActivMotion,
4 Wheel Drive
|
2 Years |
$1,595
$1,395
|
||
|
Dolphin Escape
by Maytronics
More Info
|
Top Loading,
High Capacity Cartridge
|
Carry Handle,
Fast Water Release,
Intelligent Navigation,
HyperGrip Tracks,
HyperBrush
|
1 Year |
$799
$649
Learn More the Dolphin Escape
|
||
|
AquaBot Spirit
by Aqua Products
More Info
|
Top Loading,
Dual Bags
|
Lightweight Design,
Duel Impeller,
360° Anti-Tangle Swivel
|
1 Year |
$497
$379
Learn More the AquaBot Spirit
|
Every pool deserves an intelligent robot. If you don't love it, simply return the robot. Unlike the other guys, we never charge a restocking fee or any other fees - meaning no restocking fee ever.
