Expert Reviews on the Best Robotic Pool Cleaners

1. Choosing the Best Robotic Pool Cleaner

Are you getting ready to open your pool and want to start the season with a new cleaner? Is your current pool cleaner just not getting the job done right? We’re here to help!
We've gathered expert advice on the best robotic pool cleaners of 2024. So, whether you need a cleaner for an above or inground pool (or even spas), are looking for cordless options, or are shopping on a budget, we've got just the thing for you.

And if you’re looking for even more information, check out our other blogs to learn about the types of automatic pool cleaners available and which mistakes to avoid when selecting a pool cleaner.

2. The Most Innovative Robotic Pool Cleaner

New to the market, the Beatbot Aquasense Pro offers features and functionality that make you wonder why things weren’t always like this for robotic pool cleaners.

For starters, the design of the Beatbot Aquasense Pro allows it to be buoyant when needed, allowing it to be BOTH a robotic pool cleaner (cleaning floors, walls, and waterline) and a robotic pool skimmer (capturing floating debris on the pool surface). Its buoyancy also allows it to remain floating on the surface for easy retrieval once it has finished its cycle.

The claim to fame from Beatbot is also that their design utilizes the latest in robotics and navigation technology. The Beatbot Aquasense Pro actually learns and maps your specific swimming pool shape to ensure that while cleaning it navigates across the entire pool. Not only does that give you much more confidence that it is reliably and purposefully cleaning the whole pool, but that will also increase its efficiency to minimize cycle time and energy use. In fact, Beatbot has a side-by-side video that shows just how good it is at navigation, while showing some surprising navigation results from competitors!

The Beatbot Aquasense Pro robotic cleaner also actively clarifies the water with a built-in clarifier cartridge. That means not only does the Aquasense Pro make sure there is no debris or dirt in the pool, but the overall water quality and clarity of the swimming pool is improved because of its operation.

3. The Best Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

Cordless robotic pool cleaners are the top choice for pool owners looking for convenience and ease! Without a power cord, these cleaners eliminate the clutter cables or the chance for tangles, and can easily navigate steps and special features in your pool and are an ideal pick for both inground and above ground pools.

When it comes to choosing the best cordless robotic pool cleaner, the Polaris FREEDOM Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is the gold standard. While its price tag is on the higher side, it comes with a swath of modern features, including the ability to program cleaning cycles and receive notifications via the iAquaLink® app. This modern pool cleaner is great for larger pools, cleaning pools up to 50 ft in only 2 1/2 hours. It also cleans the water line and after cleaning, uses any remaining battery charge to sit at the water line for easy removal.

4. The Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Inground Pools

What is the best automatic pool cleaner for inground pools? When looking for one, you’ll want to choose a cleaner that can intelligently navigate the surface of your pool, picking up everything from small dust and particles to larger debris, such as leaves and bugs.

Our expert’s pick for the best robotic pool cleaner for inground pools is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner with Wi-Fi. This model is a reliable best-seller for many reasons. The CC Plus uses the patented CleverClean™ system to learn and optimize its cleaning path based on your pool layout. It also has an easy-to-use top load filter basket and climbs walls to scrub every part of your pool with ease. This corded model tops the list of best pool cleaner robots for pools up to 50 feet, with the corded power to continue operation until its filter is pool. That means it's great for pool owners who don’t want to give their pool frequent attention; simply plug it into a standard GFCI outlet, press a button, and let it get to work!

5. The Best Above Ground Pool Robotic Cleaner

Not all pools are created equal, and a robotic pool cleaner specifically designed for above ground pools offers several advantages. Above ground pools typically have a flat bottom and smooth surfaces like vinyl, so above ground robotic cleaners have motors and scrub brushes that are best suited for those purposes, while usually providing a lower cost than an inground robotic pool cleaner.

Known for efficiency and convenience, our pick for the overall best above ground robotic cleaner is the Dolphin E10 Above Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner with Upgraded Cartridge. With a 40 ft. cable and lightweight design, this cleaner is ideal for above ground pools up to 33 feet. Corded power means it can operate without as much intervention, and in addition, the Dolphin E10 features a smart navigation system and specialized scrubbing brush, so you can rest assured your pool will be sparkling clean.

6. The Best Automatic Pool Cleaner for Small Pools

What is the best above ground robotic pool cleaner? Above ground pools are typically smaller, and if you have one, you’ll want a cleaner that’s ready to navigate tight corners and smaller steps quickly and efficiently, avoiding getting hung up or tangled during operation.

When it comes to the best automatic pool cleaner for small pools in 2024, the experts rank the Maytronics Dolphin Liberty 200 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner with Magnetic Connect at the top of the list. Cleaning pools up to 33 ft in just 1 ½ hours, this small but mighty unit covers both your pool's floor and walls. Its rechargeable battery provides plenty of capacity for small pools while eliminating the hassle of power cables.

7. Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Leaves and Branches

Nearby trees offer some welcome shade on a hot summer day, but it comes with a cost. If you are plagued with leaves and branches in your pool water on a regular basis, then you’ll want to choose the best robot pool cleaner for leaves and other large debris.

Luckily, you have options! For larger pools that need consistent full-cycle cleaning, the Polaris FREEDOM Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is a great choice to keep leaves and branches at bay. Equipped with a 4-liter canister, this cleaner covers the waterline as well as the floor, picking up both sunk twigs and sticks and floating leaves that might stick to the pool’s edge.

If most of your trouble is with leaves, you may want to target the surface, in which case you could also consider the Betta SE Solar-Powered Smart Robotic Pool Skimmer. This robotic pool skimmer operates entirely on the pool’s surface and is specially designed to catch floating debris and is solar-powered for efficiency and convenience. The Betta SE can work automatically every day to provide continuous protection against unsightly leaves and vegetation floating in the pool.

8. Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Algae and Fine Dirt

Whether you’re a daily pool user or just take a dip on the weekends, fine dirt and algae can sneak up on you, building up and creating a funky mess before you know it. In addition, algae doesn’t just look nasty, it can also be a health risk, especially for pool owners with small children.

Our expert's pick for the best robotic pool cleaner for algae and fine dirt is the Pool Blaster CX-1 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner. This is the best robotic cleaner because it offers two different cleaning cycles - everyday cleaning on “weekly mode” or an immediate heavy cleaning on “1-day mode”. It’s powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that holds enough charge to run daily for a full 7 days, so even if you’re away for the week, you won’t have to worry about any built-up debris.

In addition, with one of the highest available suction power ratings of up to 7200 gallons per hour, and wall and waterline cleaning options, you can rest assured even the smallest speck of dirt won’t be missed.

9. Best Robotic Cleaner for Saltwater Pools

It’s a common misconception that saltwater pools require specialized pool equipment. A saltwater pool is simply designated by the fact that it uses an electronic chlorine generator rather than adding chlorine by tablet or granules.

The best robotic cleaner for a saltwater pool could be any of the ones listed in this article! If you need more advice on choosing a pool vacuum, check out our guide on choosing the right pool cleaner for your pool.

10. Best Budget Robotic Pool Cleaner

Who says keeping your pool clean has to break the bank? In today's world, finding the best budget robotic pool cleaner doesn't mean sacrificing quality. There are a variety of pool cleaners that offer a list of great features without a great cost, and at the top of our list for best budget robotic pool cleaners is the Maytronics Dolphin Liberty 300 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner with Magnetic Connect.

This cleaner is well suited for pools of all shapes, climbing walls and navigating steps to clean every inch of your pool. Leaves, algae, and dirt are no match for the Liberty’s active scrubbing brushes, which are strong enough to pick up grime while still gentle enough for any type of pool surface. And just because you may be spending less, it doesn’t mean this cleaner is “cheap”- Dolphin pool cleaners are well known for their reliability and quality build.

11. Best Robotic Pool Cleaner Under $1000

Robotic pool cleaners come in all types, sizes, and prices. When searching for the best robotic pool cleaner under $1000, our experts looked for a cleaner that is well made, efficient, and offers modern features for ease of use and convenience.

Landing at the top of the list for the best robotic pool cleaner under $1000 is the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner with Wi-Fi by Maytronics. This cleaner is a longstanding favorite among both pool owners and pool product specialists. It comes with a wide range of features, including mobile app connectivity, advanced navigation, and a 16-inch cleaning track. Additionally, its lightweight and ergonomic design ensures hassle-free handling and maneuverability, making it the best robot pool cleaner for pool owners seeking both performance and affordability.

12. Best Robotic Pool Cleaner Under $500

Not everyone needs the bells and whistles that come with a full-fledged pool-cleaning robot. Finding the best robotic pool cleaner under $500 of any quality is a tough ask. However, If you’re looking for something simple, yet smart, you’ve come to the right place. If you want automatic pool cleaning powered by smart robot technology while spending as little as possible, Our best pick to achieve that is the Betta SE Solar-Powered Smart Robotic Pool Skimmer.

While this product is a robotic skimmer only, it can catch debris that eventually makes it down into the pool where a robotic pool cleaner would need to get it. Plus, the surface of your pool is what people see first, so making sure it is always debris-free can have a big impact. Without requiring much if any effort or energy usage, it takes a lot of the hassle out of pool maintenance by scooping up leaves, bugs, and other debris. It also comes with a wireless remote control to switch modes and ultrasonic radar sensors to detect obstacles. Finally, powered by solar panels, the Betta SE is by far the most energy-efficient pick on our list of best robotic pool cleaners!

13. Commonly Asked Questions About Robotic Pool Cleaners