Keeping a swimming pool crystal-clear is no easy task. From fallen leaves to fine debris, your pool can quickly turn from a sparkling oasis to a murky mess. That’s where robotic pool cleaners come into play. These smart, automated devices can scrub, vacuum, and filter your pool with minimal intervention, saving you time, energy, and money in the long run.
To help you find the perfect one for your needs, we put dozens of models through rigorous testing — from high-end smart models to budget-friendly basics. After weeks of evaluating their suction power, scrubbing ability, energy efficiency, durability, and ease of use, we’ve narrowed it down to the 9 best robotic pool cleaners of 2025. Whether you have an above-ground pool or a luxurious in-ground setup, there’s something here for every pool owner.
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
Our professional team of testers includes pool technicians, engineers, and real-life pool owners who understand the day-to-day challenges of pool maintenance. We tested each robotic cleaner in various pool types (plaster, vinyl, fiberglass) and sizes, assessing not only how well they cleaned but also their ease of setup, reliability, and energy efficiency.
Quick Glance: The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners of 2025
| Product | Best For | Pool Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus | Best Overall | In-ground | $799.00 |
| Polaris 9650iQ Sport | Best for Smart Features | In-ground | $450.00 |
| Aiper Seagull SE | Best Budget Option | Above-ground | $675.00 |
| Dolphin Premier | Best for Deep Cleaning | In-ground | $1249.00 |
| Hayward AquaVac 500 | Best for Large Pools | In-ground | $999.00 |
| Dolphin Escape | Best for Above-Ground Pools | Above-ground | $669.00 |
| Wybot Osprey 700 | Best Value | In-ground | $599.99 |
| PAXCESS Cordless Cleaner | Best Cordless | Above-ground/In-ground | $152.63 |
| Aquabot X4 | Best for Fine Debris | In-ground | $699.00 |
1. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus – Best Overall Robotic Pool Cleaner
- Type: Corded
- Ideal For: In-ground pools up to 50 feet
- Cycle Time: 2 hours
- Price: $799.00
Why We Love It:
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is the gold standard when it comes to robotic pool cleaners. It’s powerful, efficient, and dependable. In our tests, it consistently removed fine and large debris with ease, thanks to its dual scrubbing brushes and superior filtration system. Its intelligent navigation system learns the layout of your pool to maximize cleaning efficiency.
Pros:
- Excellent wall and floor coverage
- Plug-and-play setup
- Low energy consumption
- Two filters: ultra-fine and standard
Cons:
- No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity
- Not suitable for above-ground pools
2. Polaris 9650iQ Sport – Best for Smart Features
- Type: Corded (Wi-Fi enabled)
- Ideal For: In-ground pools up to 60 feet
- Cycle Time: Customizable via app
- Price: $450.00
Why We Love It:
If you’re into smart home tech, the Polaris 9650iQ Sport will blow your mind. This cleaner connects via Wi-Fi to your smartphone, allowing full remote control through the iAquaLink app. It climbs walls with ease, tackles stubborn algae, and navigates around ladders and drains seamlessly.
Pros:
- App-controlled scheduling
- EasyLift removal system
- 4-wheel drive traction for rough surfaces
- Large filter canister
Cons:
- Pricey
- Needs a strong Wi-Fi signal near the pool
3. Aiper Seagull SE – Best Budget Option
- Type: Cordless
- Ideal For: Above-ground pools
- Cycle Time: 90 minutes
- Price: $675.00
Why We Love It:
For those looking for a budget-friendly solution, the Aiper Seagull SE punches way above its weight. It’s completely cordless and super lightweight, making it a dream for smaller pools. Though it doesn’t climb walls, its floor cleaning power is surprisingly strong for the price.
Pros:
- Affordable and cordless
- Ideal for pools up to 33 feet
- Auto-parks near pool wall when battery is low
Cons:
- No wall climbing
- Not suitable for deep in-ground pools
4. Dolphin Premier – Best for Deep Cleaning
- Type: Corded
- Ideal For: In-ground pools up to 50 feet
- Cycle Time: 3 hours
- Price: $1249.00
Why We Love It:
The Dolphin Premier is a powerhouse with multiple interchangeable filters — from micro-cartridges to an oversized debris bag. It’s ideal for pools that see a lot of use or debris, such as those surrounded by trees. Its smart mapping feature ensures no area is left uncleaned.
Pros:
- Multiple filter options
- Advanced scanning and mapping
- Handles heavy debris effortlessly
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- Slightly bulky to remove from pool
5. Hayward AquaVac 500 – Best for Large Pools
- Type: Corded
- Ideal For: In-ground pools up to 60 feet
- Cycle Time: Customizable (floor-only, floor/wall)
- Price: $999.00
Why We Love It:
If you have a large or uniquely shaped pool, the Hayward AquaVac 500 is up to the challenge. Its smart steering system adapts to the shape of your pool, optimizing path coverage and reducing cycle time. Plus, it has a powerful suction motor capable of picking up leaves, twigs, and dirt.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient motors
- Programmable cleaning modes
- Fast draining system
Cons:
- High price point
- Heavy when full
6. Dolphin Escape – Best for Above-Ground Pools
- Type: Corded
- Ideal For: Above-ground pools up to 30 feet
- Cycle Time: 1.5 hours
- Price: $669.00
Why We Love It:
Above-ground pools often don’t need the same power as in-ground ones, which makes the Dolphin Escape perfect. It doesn’t climb walls, but its HyperBrush scrubbing tech makes quick work of grime on the pool floor. It’s also incredibly energy-efficient and light.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- HyperGrip continuous tracks
- Great for vinyl-lined pools
Cons:
- No wall climbing
- No smart features
7. Wybot Osprey 700 – Best Value
- Type: Corded
- Ideal For: In-ground and above-ground pools
- Cycle Time: 90 minutes
- Price: $599.99
Why We Love It:
The Wybot Osprey 700 surprised us with its performance and affordability. With strong suction, wall climbing ability, and dual brushes, it provides premium features at a mid-tier price. It’s a solid choice for those who want a powerful cleaner without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Climbs walls and stairs
- Affordable for its features
- Large filter basket
Cons:
- Basic navigation system
- Shorter power cable than competitors
8. PAXCESS Cordless Pool Cleaner – Best Cordless Option
- Type: Cordless
- Ideal For: All pool types up to 50 feet
- Cycle Time: 60–90 minutes
- Price: $152.63
Why We Love It:
No more tangled cords! The PAXCESS cordless robotic cleaner offers a hassle-free cleaning experience. It’s equipped with two large suction ports and works well for both above-ground and in-ground pools. We especially loved its portability and ease of use.
Pros:
- No cords or hoses
- Auto-dock function
- Lightweight with quick-charge battery
Cons:
- Battery life could be longer
- Doesn’t scrub walls
9. Aquabot X4 – Best for Fine Debris
- Type: Corded
- Ideal For: In-ground pools up to 60 feet
- Cycle Time: 2 hours
- Price: $699.00
Why We Love It:
If your pool struggles with fine particles like sand or pollen, the Aquabot X4 is the solution. Its ultra-fine mesh filters trap even the smallest debris, and its anti-tangle swivel cable allows full freedom of movement. Plus, it comes with a convenient caddy for storage and transport.
Pros:
- Exceptional filtration
- Tangle-free 360° swivel cable
- Easy to clean filters
Cons:
- No app or remote control
- Not the best at climbing vertical surfaces
How to Choose the Right Robotic Pool Cleaner
Choosing the best robotic pool cleaner involves considering a few critical factors:
1. Pool Type
Some cleaners are designed specifically for above-ground pools, while others handle the demands of larger, in-ground pools.
2. Corded vs. Cordless
Corded models offer consistent power but can be harder to manage. Cordless models are easier to handle but require charging.
3. Cleaning Features
Look for features like wall climbing, scrubbing brushes, smart navigation, and filtration types.
4. Ease of Use
A good robotic pool cleaner should be easy to set up, operate, and clean.
5. Smart Tech
Some high-end models offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for remote control, scheduling, and status monitoring.
6. Budget
Prices vary from under $300 to over $1,500. Always balance features against your actual pool maintenance needs.
Final Verdict
If we had to pick just one, the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus offers the best combination of performance, value, and reliability. For tech lovers, the Polaris 9650iQ Sport is unmatched in smart features, while the Aiper Seagull SE proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for a clean pool.
No matter your pool size, type, or budget, investing in the right robotic pool cleaner will transform your maintenance routine — giving you more time to enjoy your pool instead of scrubbing it.
FAQs
Q: Can I leave my robotic pool cleaner in the water?
A: Most manufacturers recommend removing it after each cleaning cycle to preserve motor life and prevent chemical wear.
Q: How often should I use a robotic cleaner?
A: For regular use, 2–3 times a week is sufficient. During heavy use seasons, you might use it daily.
Q: Are robotic pool cleaners energy-efficient?
A: Yes, they consume less power than traditional pressure or suction cleaners and work independently of your pool pump.
Q: Can robotic cleaners handle algae?
A: Some advanced models like the Dolphin Premier and Polaris 9650iQ Sport scrub algae efficiently, but severe infestations may require additional treatment.
Co-authored by:
James Hawkes
Swimming Pool Expert