April 2024

Robotic Pool Cleaners: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of robotic pool cleaners rankings posted by key online experts, as of April 2024.

Summary

On 9 Apr 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 87 pool cleaner endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

43 pool cleaners were endorsed in total, only 23 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 9 Apr 2024, Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed pool cleaner with 8 expert endorsements. 5 experts out of 8 recommended it as the '#1 pool cleaner' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking robotic pool cleaners start at $99.99 (Wybot Osprey 200) and go up to $1999 (Dolphin Explorer E70). Median pool cleaner costs $799 (Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus).
$99.99
$1999

At a glance - April Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Pool Cleaner
Better Homes and Gardens
The Spruce
Robotic Pool Cleaners
Bob Vila
River Pools
SteamCleanerMaster
reviewed.usatoday.com
Spy
Cleanup Expert
Pool Research
1
- $799
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
-
1
3
1
6
1
2
1
-
1
2
- $1399
Dolphin Premier 2018
-
-
4
-
5
3
1
-
2
-
3
- $629
Dolphin Escape
4
8
7
4
-
-
-
-
13
-
4
- $1199
Polaris F9550
-
-
1
-
4
-
-
-
-
3
5
- $1449
Dolphin Sigma
-
-
5
-
-
2
-
9
7
-
6
- $249
Aiper Seagull SE
2
2
-
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
7
- $1499
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
8
- Check price
Aiper Seagull Pro
3
4
-
7
-
-
-
-
-
-
9
- $1549
Dolphin Explorer E50
1
6
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10
- $1649
Polaris VRX iQ+
9
5
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
11
- $499
Dolphin E10
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
10
-
12
- $900
Dolphin Triton PS
-
-
8
-
-
-
-
8
4
-
13
- Check price
Aquabot Breeze IQ
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
-
16
4
14
- $189
Paxcess Cordless
-
-
13
2
-
-
-
-
15
-
15
- Check price
OT QOMOTOP HJ1103J
-
-
-
-
2
-
-
2
-
-
16
- $599
Dolphin Nautilus CC
5
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
17
- $225
Aiper Seagull 1000
7
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
-
18
- Check price
Dolphin Triton PS Plus
-
-
9
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
19
- $1249
Hayward SharkVac XL
-
-
-
-
-
6
-
-
-
5
20
- $1300
Polaris 9650IQ
6
-
-
5
-
-
-
-
-
-
21
- $1079
Dolphin Quantum
-
-
6
-
-
-
-
-
8
-
22
- Check price
Aquabot X4
8
-
-
-
-
-
-
7
-
-
23
- Check price
Pentair Kreepy Krauly Prowler 830
-
-
12
-
-
-
-
-
-
6

; ; ;
#14 $189 Paxcess Cordless
#17 $224.99 Aiper Seagull 1000
#6 $249 Aiper Seagull SE
#11 $499 Dolphin E10
#16 $599 Dolphin Nautilus CC
#3 $629 Dolphin Escape
#8 $788.98 Aiper Seagull Pro
#1 $799 Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
#12 $899.99 Dolphin Triton PS
#21 $1079 Dolphin Quantum
#4 $1199 Polaris F9550
#19 $1249 Hayward SharkVac XL
#20 $1299.95 Polaris 9650IQ
#2 $1399 Dolphin Premier 2018
#5 $1449 Dolphin Sigma
#7 $1499 Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme
#9 $1549 Dolphin Explorer E50
#10 $1649 Polaris VRX iQ+

We ranked Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus #1 in April 2024 because:

  • 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
  • Out of those, 5 experts ranked Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus as #1.
Critic endorsements:
The Spruce

Best Overall

Suitable for pools up to 50 feet
Tangle-free cable
Cleans pools in two hours
Built-in weekly timer
Dual filters

Power supply isn’t waterproof

Go to ranking

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Inground Pools

 Powerful robotic cleaner for in-ground pools.
Anti-tangle swivel cable.
Fine and ultrafine filters.
Dual scrubbing brushes.
Weekly scheduler.

A bit heavy.
Not suitable for budget shoppers.

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Bob Vila

Best overall

Capable of climbing walls for a more thorough cleaning
Large filtration system is suitable for sticks and leaves
Can be used on all pool-surface types, including gunite or plaster pools
Users can schedule cleaning weekly

Does not have smartphone capabilities
May become stuck on steps
Power supply is water-resistant but not waterproof

Go to ranking

River Pools

Best Overall Robotic Cleaner

Go to ranking

SteamCleanerMaster

You can program the machine to automatically clean your pool on a schedule that works for you.
It has dual scrubbing brushes to loosen and remove dirt and grime from the floor and walls of your pool.
The tangle-free swivel cable lets the machine work without worry of the cord getting caught or tangled.

It doesn’t do a good job cleaning some stair types.

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reviewed.usatoday.com

Great suction
Very easy to set up

Expensive
Heavy and hard to store

Go to ranking

Spy

Best Overall

Go to ranking

Pool Research

Best Overall Robotic Pool Cleaner

Energy-efficient cleaner
Anti-swivel cable helps prevent tangles
Flexible scheduling times
High suction rate of 4500 GPH

Does not clean stairs or waterline
Cannot be connected to a smartphone or wi-fi
Some manufacturing concerns

Go to ranking

We ranked Dolphin Premier 2018 #2 in April 2024 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Dolphin Premier 2018 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Robotic Pool Cleaners

Most Powerful Robotic Pool Cleaner for Residential Pools

A same proven cleaning system as the Dolphin Nautilus: treads, dual brushes, strong vacuum, etc.
Intelligent navigation with a short cleaning cycle
Advanced features: weekly timer, remote control, and filter-full indicator
Four types of filter media clean a wider range of debris
Excellent cleaning performance

Included instructions are not the best
This unit is heavy

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River Pools

Best For Cleaning Every Part Of Your Pool

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SteamCleanerMaster

The dual scrubbing brushes work to remove dirt from the floor, walls, and waterline of your pool.
It will analyze your pool to determine the best route and method to ensure a thorough cleaning.
The anti-tangle swivel cable prevents a cord from getting tangled up or caught and lets the cleaner move easily around the pool.

The cleaner is a bit heavy and may be challenging to remove from the bottom of your pool.

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reviewed.usatoday.com

Wall-climbing capabilities
Optional remote control
3 filtration options

Pretty expensive

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Cleanup Expert

Best Waterline Cleaner

Because of the Premier’s unrivaled ability to climb walls, it’s able to accomplish what many pool cleaning robots cannot–stick its tiny electronic nose out of the water to get right at that waterline.
The engineers at Maytronics created the world’s first robotic pool cleaner with onboard low voltage motors. And with the entire system using only 180 watts of power, you’ll save a TON of money on your electric bill.

The manufacturer says you can clean out the filter bag by hosing it out. It turns out it’s a real PAIN to get it clean this way because it takes too long. Throw it in the washer instead.
Its patented 360° anti-tangle swivel is supposed to prevent it from ever getting knotted up in its own cord. However, even with this technology, it occasionally happens.

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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend robotic pool cleaners.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of robotic pool cleaners, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for April 2024 ranking

We ranked Dolphin Escape #3 in April 2024 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Better Homes and Gardens

Best for Above Ground Pools

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best for Above-Ground Pools

Suitable for pools up to 30 feet
Plug-and-play operation
Compact and lightweight
Top-load filter easy to empty and rinse

Can't climb walls

Go to ranking

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Best Above Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner

Lightweight
Cleans leaves, sand and most other kinds of debris
Can climb walls (uncommon in above-ground cleaners)
Works in all types of above ground pools, including vinyl
Large filter cartridge

No ultra-fine filter included (can buy separately)
No swivel cord

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Bob Vila

Best for Above-gound

Quick 90-minute cleaning cycle lets pool users enjoy a clean pool faster
Comes with a convenient remote-start function
Can be used on all pool surface types, including gunite or plaster pools

Cannot climb pool walls
Electrical adapter is not waterproof
Somewhat difficult to remove from the pool if it stops mid-cycle in the center

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Cleanup Expert

Most Versatile

The hypergrip track works flawlessly with the digital mapping technology. The end result? Faster and more efficient cleaning.
What’s more, it uses 90% less power than older types of pool cleaning robots. Maytronics accomplished this monumental feat by using an innovative low voltage DC motor. The entire system only requires around 180 watts of power.
Think of how much money you’ll save!

Unfortunately, this unit only has a one-year warranty. If your pool dips or has areas lower than the rest of the floor, your little robot friend has a tendency to pop wheelies. When it does this, the filter basket can pop out. Then, all the debris your guy painstakingly collected will be unceremoniously dumped back into the pool.
The cord doesn’t seem to be quite long enough for most pools.

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We ranked Polaris F9550 #4 in April 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Polaris F9550 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Robotic Pool Cleaners

Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Large Pools

Includes caddy
Excellent cleaning performance
Does not fall from sides or stairs
Works in all pool types regardless of shape or type of surface
Targeted cleaning options
The remote control works well
Weekly programmable timer
Full bin indicator

Pricey
A bit heavy (the automatic lift system eliminates most of the hassle, though)

Go to ranking

River Pools

Best For Larger Pools

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Pool Research

Best for Pools with Tight Corners

Excellent at sharp corners
Four-wheel drive system provides outstanding mobility
Tangle-free cable system works well
Waterline-only cleaning cycle

Heavier than most of the competition
More expensive than most other cleaners

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We ranked Dolphin Sigma #5 in April 2024 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Robotic Pool Cleaners

Best Smartphone-Connected Robotic Pool Cleaner

Can handle extra-large in-ground pools
Powerful cleaning performance
Convenient Bluetooth control via an app
Smart navigation reduces cleaning times and saves energy
Independent tracks provide better coverage in tight corners

Expensive
Bluetooth app does not always work

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SteamCleanerMaster

The filter is designed to be easy to clean.
You can pair the cleaner with your smartphone to schedule cleanings and keep track of the progress of a cleaning.
This model features a gyroscope mobility system for cleaning stairs and walls.

If your pool frequently is filled with leaves and other large droppings, this cleaner may get clogged more frequently.

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Spy

Best Splurge

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Cleanup Expert

Most innovative

Its gyroscopically-enabled navigation system lets the robot know, with pinpoint precision, where to go next. This ensures that every square inch of your pool is scrubbed sparkling clean. With the extraordinary control this gyroscope gives your mechanical assistant, he won’t wobble or topple over when attempting to scale a wall.
Besides being the planet’s first pool robot with a gyroscope, it’s also the first one with three motors.

There appears to be a glitch in some units where the robot indicates it’s actively cleaning when it actually isn’t. If this malfunction happens, usually it’s when users activate the automatic mode. For some people, even the app sometimes displays this wildly inaccurate information.
The Sigma also doesn’t do well with drains and tends to get hung up on them.

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We ranked Aiper Seagull SE #6 in April 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Better Homes and Gardens

Best Budget

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best Value

Effective at removing silt and small debris
Easy to operate
Self-parks near pool wall
Compatible with both in- and above-ground pools

Can't handle large piles of leaves
Long charge time

Go to ranking

reviewed.usatoday.com

Charges in about 2.5 hrs
Totally cordless

No wall climbing

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We ranked Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme #7 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme as #1.
Critic endorsements:
The Spruce

Best Splurge

Remote steering
Anti-tangle cable
Cleans walls and waterline
Three cleaning levels

Cannot clean steps
Misses some spots during automatic cleaning cycles

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Cleanup Expert

Best Overall Functionality

At 1.5 hours, this machine has one of the fastest cleaning times of any pool robot on the planet. Unlike other models, it can scale the walls of your pool to get at the waterline. And, it’ll continue to relentlessly scour away until every stain, blemish, and discoloration that detracts from the visual allure of your pool is banished forever.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme doesn’t come with a caddy. You think you’d get one with a robotic cleaner that costs this much! You also don’t get a remote control. That’s probably okay, because with the MyDolphin app, you can do everything a controller does.
Like most other robots, it isn’t very good at climbing stairs.

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We ranked Aiper Seagull Pro #8 in April 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Better Homes and Gardens

Best for Walls

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best for Leaves

Three cleaning settings
Simple design
Effective in cleaning large debris

Stairs seem to confuse cleaning pattern
Can be challenging to retrieve in a deep end

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Bob Vila

Best Cordless

The robot comes with a hook attachment for a pole to easily retrieve the unit at the bottom of the pool
Battery charges in less than 2 hours and has a runtime of up to 180 minutes
Simple to operate with a user-friendly control dial on the front of the robot

May lose power as the battery starts to die
Doesn’t include caddy or cover
A bit heavy when full of water, which we attribute in part to the battery weight

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We ranked Dolphin Explorer E50 #9 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Dolphin Explorer E50 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Better Homes and Gardens

Best Overall

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best for In-Ground Pools

Very easy to retrieve
Cycle alerts through app
Cleans stairs

Expensive
Corded

Go to ranking

We ranked Polaris VRX iQ+ #10 in April 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Better Homes and Gardens

Best with Caddy

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best Smart

Suitable for pools up to 60 feet
70-foot long tangle-reducing cable
Easy Lift removal system
Caddy requires no tools to assemble

Expensive
Heavy

Go to ranking

Bob Vila

Upgrade pick

This unit handles walls, stairs, and bench seats with ease and features 4-wheel drive for improved control and stability
Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa compatible with iAquaLink app for easy control and customization
Caddy included, which makes it easy to store and move the unit into storage
Dirty-canister indicator alerts users when the basket is full and ready to be emptied

High price compared to some other models on the market
Caddy cover is not included but can be purchased separately

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We ranked Dolphin E10 #11 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Dolphin E10 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
River Pools

Best for above-ground pools

Go to ranking

Cleanup Expert

Best for Above Ground Pools

It has a huge filter basket, so it’ll catch lots of floating debris before it turns your pool into an eyesore. This Ultra Fine Filter Basket captures even tiny sand grains. There’s a simple push latch at the top of the unit to get at the filter.
The filter also has an easy-to-open hinged bottom. Just push the button, and the dirt falls right out.

The warranty is only good for two years. After the first year, it only covers plastic parts. Also, you have to purchase the Ultra Fine Basket separately. Because the cord doesn’t have an anti-tangle swivel, it sometimes gets all twisted around the robot.
Edges are inconsistently cleaned because it seems as though the robot spends most of its time crisscrossing the middle.

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We ranked Dolphin Triton PS #12 in April 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Robotic Pool Cleaners

Best Value Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaner

Good value for money.
Cleans large pools up to 50ft.
Dual scrubbing brushes.
Comes with fine and ultra-fine filters.
Full pool coverage – floor, walls, and waterline.

No option to select cleaning cycles.
Struggles to clean curvy areas of the pool.

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Spy

Also Consider

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Cleanup Expert

Best Range of Mobility

At only 16.5 pounds, this is one of the lightest of all pool robots. It also has advanced scanning functionality. This means it can make sure every single inch of your pool surfaces are vigorously scrubbed clean of all contaminants.
Using the Triton PS will extend the life of your pool’s filtration system, because the robot does some of the dirty work it used to exclusively do.

The robot doesn’t seem to do a good job cleaning curvy areas. So, if you have a custom-shaped pool with lots of meandering contours or corners, you might want to think about getting something else.
The automatic weekly scheduling feature (like with some other models) doesn’t appear to make a whole lot of sense. That’s because the manufacturer advises that you should take the unit out of the pool when you’re not using it.

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We ranked Aquabot Breeze IQ #13 in April 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
SteamCleanerMaster

The filter baskets work together with the powerful pump to filter down to two microns.
You can use this product to clean pools with any surface type.
The 60-foot swivel cable allows the cleaner to clean your pool without worrying about a cord getting caught to tangled.

You cannot program this model to clean on a set schedule.

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Cleanup Expert

Best Filtration

Its impressively energetic dual scrubbers and powerful suction mean you’ll be able to use fewer potentially toxic pool chemicals. With the superior Aquabot swivel technology at your command, you’ll never have to worry about the unit getting tangled up in its own cord.
Its durable PVC scrubbing brushes are safe for all surfaces—even vinyl lined pools. It’s low wattage motors only cost about five cents an hour to run.

Sometimes the robot has difficulty climbing up to the waterline. The manufacturer suggests adjusting the handle (which helps the unit to float) when this happens. This should fix the problem.
The unit’s super-fine filters will help keep your pool water radiantly clean at all times. However, they need to be replaced more often than regular filters.

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Pool Research

Best for Small Debris

Capable of filtering things as small as bacteria
Large, high-capacity baskets
Fewer manufacturing defects than many competitors
Works on all standard pool materials
Great for above ground pools

Relatively heavy
No remote control options
Filters are fragile

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We ranked Paxcess Cordless #14 in April 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Robotic Pool Cleaners

Best Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

Cordless – no hoses or cords to set up.
No tangling cords to deal with.
Long battery life.
Good cleaning performance.
Fair price.

Takes a long to recharge (4-6 hours).
Doesn’t clean walls.
No weekly scheduler.
Doesn’t filter fine debris.

Go to ranking

Bob Vila

Best Bang for the Buck

Cordless functionality improves movement
Battery instead of cord reduces risk of accidental electrocution
Automatically docks poolside when the battery is low
Safe for all types of pool materials

Takes 4 to 6 hours to charge
Only capable of climbing 15-degree slopes
Because of its long charging time, it’s best for smaller pools

Go to ranking

Cleanup Expert

Most hassle-free unit

You’ll be ecstatic when you find out there are no cloth bags to clean with this exceptional machine. Instead, there’s a filter tray with a filtration precision of up to 180 µm. Simply pop the tray out, quickly rinse all the gunk out with a garden hose, and your mechanical cleaner will be ready for its next trip through your pool.

The Paxcess isn’t able to clean the walls — it only cleans pool floors. Because the brush is so thin, your bot might struggle to scrub stubborn algae. This device has a hard time traveling up sloping terrain, making it best for above-ground pools. The tether used to pull the unit out of the water tends to break easily, which can be annoying.

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We ranked OT QOMOTOP HJ1103J #15 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
River Pools

Best For Smaller Flat-Bottomed Pools

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Spy

Best Cordless

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We ranked Dolphin Nautilus CC #16 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Better Homes and Gardens

Best Overall

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Robotic Pool Cleaners

Most Affordable for Inground Pools

Great price.
Smart navigation system.
Includes a scrubbing brush to get rid of stubborn dirt and algae.
Easy to remove and clean top load filter basket.
Includes a weekly timer

No ultra-fine filter.
Not suitable for large pools.

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We ranked Aiper Seagull 1000 #17 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Better Homes and Gardens

Best for Small Pools

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Spy

Compact Pick

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We ranked Dolphin Triton PS Plus #18 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Robotic Pool Cleaners

Fastest-Cleaning Inground Robotic Pool Cleaner

Fast 1-hour cleaning cycle.
WiFi connectivity for remote app control.
Dual scrubbing brushes.
Comes with fine and ultra-fine filters.
Weekly scheduler.

Pricey.

Go to ranking

Pool Research

Best Controllable Robotic Pool Cleaner

Multiple speed settings are useful
One active brush provides additional cleaning support
Lightweight and easy to carry around
Excellent manual controls for spot cleaning
Two cleaning cycles: quick clean and standard

Some issues with stairs and corners
Buggy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth feature
Pricey

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We ranked Hayward SharkVac XL #19 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
SteamCleanerMaster

This is an energy-efficient model.
The filter can be accessed from the top for easy cleaning.
This model is less expensive than the other robotic cleaners we reviewed.

It may not get the floor and walls of your pool as clean as some of the other products on our list.

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Pool Research

Easiest to Clean

Easy to transport, especially with the cart
Easy to clean filter
Excellent for smaller pools
Available in two sizes

Not good at cleaning walls unless you get the XL
No remote control options
Floating cord may get tangled

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We ranked Polaris 9650IQ #20 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Better Homes and Gardens

Best Smart Features

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Bob Vila

Best for Ingound

Handles walls, stairs, and bench seats with ease
Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa compatible
Comes with a caddy at no extra cost
Dirty-canister indicator lets users see when the vacuum needs to be emptied
4-wheel drive improves control and stability

Premium price tag
Caddy cover is not included and will need to be a separate purchase
Customers complain that it’s difficult to replace broken parts

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We ranked Dolphin Quantum #21 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Robotic Pool Cleaners

Best Wall-Cleaning Robotic Pool Cleaner

Programmable weekly timer
Powerful, energy-efficient motors
Water jets provide best-in-class vertical wall cleaning
Huge filter cartridge means less frequent emptying

Pricey
Lacks swivel connector on the cord

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Cleanup Expert

Easiest robot to clean

Vortex water jets on the top and sides of this unit allows it to move laterally along pool floors, walls, and up to the waterline. SmartNav 2.0 scanning technology keeps it from going over the same spots multiple times.
The huge, top-loading filter cartridges easily snap apart and are easy to spray clean. A convenient carry handle and fast water release system makes it more ergonomic. 3-mode weekly scheduling conveniently automates cleaning.

This is an expensive machine. For the price, there aren’t many extras. No caddy. No bluetooth. No remote control. You can purchase those separately, but they’re not cheap either.
Even though there’s supposed to be a swivel function, the power cord can easily tangle. Replacement filter screens are expensive. The jets can blow around debris at times rather than picking it up.

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We ranked Aquabot X4 #22 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Better Homes and Gardens

Best for Large Pools

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Spy

Best Filtration

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We ranked Pentair Kreepy Krauly Prowler 830 #23 in April 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Robotic Pool Cleaners

Best Kreepy Krauly

Excellent cleaning performance
Easy mobility. Swivel cable, strongly gripping treads and auto-reverse ensure it never gets stuck
Includes remote control with a weekly timer
Free transport caddy included

Pricey
Very heavy

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Pool Research

Best Energy-Efficient Robotic Pool Cleaner

Extremely affordable to run
Improves pool chemical distribution
Two speed settings
Ability to manually override automatic cleaning mode for spot cleaning

Common issue with debris container
Too rough on some surfaces, especially textured ones
Heavy unit at 45 pounds

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