May 2024
Robotic Pool Cleaners: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of robotic pool cleaners rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2024.
Summary
On 9 May 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 83 pool cleaner endorsements from 9 reputable publishers.
45 pool cleaners were endorsed in total, only 21 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 9 May 2024, Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed pool cleaner with 7 expert endorsements. 4 experts out of 7 recommended it as the '#1 pool cleaner' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
Maytronics: 14 pool cleaners
(#1 is Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus)
-
Zodiac: 5 pool cleaners
(#1 is Polaris F9550)
-
Hayward: 5 pool cleaners
(#1 is Hayward PoolVac XL)
-
Aiper: 4 pool cleaners
(#1 is Aiper Seagull SE)
-
Polaris: 4 pool cleaners
(#1 is Polaris VRX iQ+)
Price breakdown
At a glance - May Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Pool Cleaner |
Cleanup Expert
|
Spy
|
reviewed.usatoday.com
|
SteamCleanerMaster
|
River Pools
|
Bob Vila
|
Robotic Pool Cleaners
|
The Spruce
|
Better Homes and Gardens
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
- | $799 |
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus
|
-
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
6
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
- | $1399 |
Dolphin Premier 2018
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
3
|
5
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
+2 | $1449 |
Dolphin Sigma
|
7
|
9
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-1 | $629 |
Dolphin Escape
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
7
|
-
|
4
|
5
|
+1 | $249 |
Aiper Seagull SE
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
2
|
6
|
-2 | $1199 |
Polaris F9550
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
- | $1499 |
Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
8
|
+1 | $1549 |
Dolphin Explorer E50
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
1
|
9
|
+2 | $499 |
Dolphin E10
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-2 | Check price |
Aiper Seagull Pro
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
9
|
3
|
11
|
-1 | $1649 |
Polaris VRX iQ+
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
10
|
9
|
12
|
- | $900 |
Dolphin Triton PS
|
4
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
+1 | $189 |
Paxcess Cordless
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
+1 | Check price |
OT QOMOTOP HJ1103J
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
15
|
+1 | $599 |
Dolphin Nautilus CC
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
5
|
16
|
New * | $100 |
Wybot Osprey 200
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
17
|
- | $225 |
Aiper Seagull 1000
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
18
|
+2 | $1300 |
Polaris 9650IQ
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
19
|
+2 | $1079 |
Dolphin Quantum
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
20
|
+2 | Check price |
Aquabot X4
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
21
|
-8 | Check price |
Aquabot Breeze IQ
|
16
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus #1 in May 2024 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 4 experts ranked Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus as #1.
reviewed.usatoday.com
Great suction
Climbs walls easily
Filters are easy to clean
|
Can get stuck on steps
|
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.
|
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
|
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.
|
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
|
We ranked Dolphin Premier 2018 #2 in May 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.
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.
|
reviewed.usatoday.com
Wall-climbing capabilities
Optional remote control
3 filtration options
|
Pretty expensive
|
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.
|
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
|
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 May 2024 ranking
We ranked Dolphin Sigma #3 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
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.
|
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.
|
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
|
We ranked Dolphin Escape #4 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
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.
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Aiper Seagull SE #5 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
The Spruce
Best for Above-Ground Pools
Effective at removing silt and small debris
Easy to operate
Self-parks near pool wall
|
Can't handle large piles of leaves
Long charge time
|
We ranked Polaris F9550 #6 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Polaris F9550 as #1.
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)
|
We ranked Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme #7 in May 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.
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.
|
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
|
We ranked Dolphin Explorer E50 #8 in May 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.
The Spruce
Best for In-Ground Pools
Very easy to retrieve
Cycle alerts through app
Cleans stairs
|
Wish cord was a bit longer
|
We ranked Dolphin E10 #9 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Dolphin E10 as #1.
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.
|
We ranked Aiper Seagull Pro #10 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Polaris VRX iQ+ #11 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
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
|
The Spruce
Best Automation
Suitable for pools up to 60 feet
70-foot-long tangle-reducing cable
Easy Lift removal system
Caddy requires no tools to assemble
|
Heavy
|
We ranked Dolphin Triton PS #12 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
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.
|
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.
|
We ranked Paxcess Cordless #13 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
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.
|
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
|
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.
|
We ranked Dolphin Nautilus CC #15 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
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.
|
We ranked Wybot Osprey 200 #16 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
The Spruce
Best Budget
Easy setup and use
Cleans flat floors well
Lightweight for easy retrieval
|
Not strong enough for heavy debris
The battery doesn’t last very long
|
We ranked Polaris 9650IQ #18 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
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
|
We ranked Dolphin Quantum #19 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
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.
|
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
|
We ranked Aquabot Breeze IQ #21 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best robotic pool cleaners” rankings.
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.
|
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.
|