The 8 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners

Editor's Notes

October 23, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus takes the top spot. An independent suction comparison of 24 robots measured it level with pool robots that cost far more, and it never needs charging. The Dolphin Escape moves up for small and above-ground pools, and the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme stays for big pools and app control.

We couldn't find a current listing for the Dolphin Sigma or the Dolphin Oasis Z5I, so both are gone, and the Dolphin E10 has given way to the Dolphin Nautilus AG. We dropped the Zodiac Polaris Sport F9550 and Hayward SharkVac XL, both heavy, older designs with little recent evidence behind them. Cordless robots were missing entirely, so the Beatbot Sora 10, WYBOT C2, Aiper Scuba S1 and Beatbot Sora 70 are new.

The evidence for this update was a manometer reading at each robot's intake from that 24-robot comparison, PCWorld's in-pool reviews, the Dolphin safety manual and the CPSC's battery-fire recalls of older Aiper and Wybotics cordless models. Two of the best-tested robots, the Dolphin Premier and Polaris VRX iQ+, appear below as special honors.

Earlier notes

August 6, 2021, by Christopher Thomas:

The handful of tried-and-true automated pool cleaners that we recommended last time are all still great choices. There was one big change worth making, and that was the addition of the Dolphin Sigma in the top spot. It isn't meant to remove the bulkiest debris, but it does such a consistently good job that it's worth skimming the leaves from the pool first. If you want to save some money, the Dolphin E10 is a great choice, while the Zodiac Polaris Sport F9550 remains one of the top ultra-premium options.

May 29, 2020, by Christopher Thomas:

A cursory search will pull up a decent handful of robotic pool cleaners, and in fact a bit more than just the 7 we've listed here. The thing is, these tend to be pretty expensive devices, and in the interest of consumers, we've done our best to determine which are actually good investments in terms of reliable cleaning and durability. One brand has proven to be pretty consistent in the build quality of their products, which is why the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme and Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus took the top two spots. One is quite expensive, and the other more reasonably priced, and they both deliver great cleaning capabilities but with differing amounts of smart control. The Dolphin Oasis Z5I also offers smart mapping and Bluetooth connectivity, although its wireless functionality isn't all that helpful, and it tends to run into traction problems on uneven surfaces such as drains. The Dolphin E10 is considerably simpler and has a bit less navigation prowess, but it's pretty affordable for the category. The same can be said for the Dolphin Escape, although it's designed specifically for the smaller dimensions usually held by above-ground pools.

In terms of other brands, there are still some great options, such as the Zodiac Polaris Sport F9550. It's pretty costly but offers a great degree of suction, and its navigation is on a par with the best. The Hayward SharkVac XL also performs extremely well on floors and slopes, but it can't quite compete with high-end models on vertical walls, and those who are even slightly mobility challenged will have a hard time dealing with its significant heft.

One important point to remember when purchasing a pool robot is that not all filters are built equally. Before using one of these for the first time, make sure you've got the right attachments; a large debris filter will have a wider mesh, and for everyday use you'll almost certainly need a fine-mesh filter. It's also good to keep in mind that a cleaning robot is only part of the tool set you'll need to keep everything perfectly tidy. Proper chemical cleaning and manual tools are also important to maintaining a fun and healthy pool.

April 19, 2019, by Jeff Newburgh:

Added an upgraded version of the Dolphin Oasis Z5I due to its powerful twin motors, tangle-resistant swivel cable, and built-in Bluetooth connectivity for programming the unit from any smartphone. I thought the Zodiac Polaris Sport was a worthy addition, thanks to its rear-based water propulsion system and patented vacuuming technology, which helps to ensure superior cleaning results on stairs and in tight corners. I'm sure those things are pain points for many pool owners trying to get the deep end as clean as possible. The self-navigation capabilities of the Nu Cobalt NC74 ensures coverage of large swimming pools, while the unit's padded rollers make it well-adept at scaling walls and removing dirt from any location. Another innovative option is the Dolphin Nautilus Plus, which can use its own scanning technology to map out the best route to efficient cleaning, while its pop-up filter cartridges are super-easy to remove and replace. Although it may be limited to above-ground use, the Aquabot Pool Rover is still a worthy option due to its extra-wide wheels, reusable filter bag, and low-maintenance pump motor. The tank-style tracks on the Dolphin Escape make it a good option for traversing floors with large drains, while the lightweight frame makes it easy to transport. I thought the Hayward SharkVac XL was a good upgrade from the previous model, as this one can automatically reverse its direction if it happens to come out of the water upon cleaning on the water line. Finally, I added the Aquabot X4 for its compatibility with all pool types and the capacity to move up to 85 gallons of water per minute.