The 10 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners of 2023, According to Testing

Jun 11, 2023

These robotic pool cleaners are both effective and easy to use.

Adria Valdes Greenhauff has written for numerous publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, Southern Living, and Allrecipes.

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she's an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants.

Jump to a Section

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Better Homes and Gardens / Michael Navarro

Whether you're splashing around with the family or enjoying poolside cocktails with friends, a backyard pool is a great way to spend time with loved ones. While keeping your pool sparkling clean and free of debris may seem like a daunting task, there are many robotic pool cleaner options available that will take care of your regular pool maintenance, so you don't have to.

"Robotic cleaners are pricier but are also the easiest pool cleaners to use," says Stewart Vernon, COO and founder of America's Swimming Pool Company (ASP). "They use software to determine how to clean your pool."

To find the best robotic pool cleaners, we put a variety of models to the test right at home. After using our given models several times over the course of a few months, we evaluated each model based on four categories: design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value.

After up to four months of use, depending on location, we reviewed a few of the robotic pool cleaners again, keeping in mind performance, as well as anything we liked or would change about each model. In addition to Vernon, we also consulted Dr. Claudia Duncan, owner and CEO of Professional Pool Management, for additional insight.

Pool Warehouse

A double-filtered waste basket ensures that even fine debris will get cleaned.

It’s more expensive than other options.

Overall, the Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner is the best pool cleaner to consider. After using the pool cleaner three times, we found that it was highly effective and easy to use. Overall, we gave this model a perfect score during testing.

Although the pool cleaner is more expensive than other options, our testing proved to us why it was worth the investment. To start, setting up the unit was easy. All we had to do was plug it in and download the pool cleaner’s app, which we found to be very user-friendly.

There are a few cleaning cycles to choose from, but for our first round of testing, we gave one of the more advanced modes a try. It took 2.5 hours to clean our pool, and we found that easily picked up debris of all sizes. We also had similar results when trying other cleaning cycles that were shorter.

The deep clean was due in part to the pool cleaner’s double-filtered waste basket, which helped pick up even the finest debris. Once the basket is full, it’s easy to remove and empty with the press of a button.

One of our favorite features on this pool cleaner was how you could customize the interface to suit your needs thanks to the corresponding app that was easy to set up and use. Whether you need to clean the whole pool or just the floors, you’ll be able to set the model to suit your needs.

Price at the time of publish: $1,699

Product Details: Cycle Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours | Cable Length: 60 feet | Weight: 20 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: In-ground | Pool Length: Up to 50 feet

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Yung

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Yung

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Yung

Amazon

The cordless model is small, lightweight, and easy to drop into a pool.

It’s only meant to clean pool floors.

Aiper’s Seagull SE Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is the best robotic pool cleaner to consider if you’re in the market for a less expensive option. The 7.6-pound cordless cleaner isn’t as heavy as other models, and we found it was easy to place into the water.

Set up was fairly simple as all we had to do was attach the brushes. It’s recommended you fully charge the pool cleaner before using it—we originally didn’t and it made a noticeable difference for us between uses. During our first round of testing, we used whatever charge the unit already had and it seemed weak and slow. We fully charged it for the other two uses, however, and found that it picked up a majority of the debris in our pool.

The pool cleaner is ideal for pools that have flat floors and no slopes. It’s only meant to clean floors and in our experience, it did a good job cleaning pollen and other debris. It did pick up a good amount of leaves, but it’s not the best pool cleaner for cleaning larger piles.

We liked that the model had a handle that made it easier to place it in the pool and it came with a retrieval hook to help take it out of the water when it’s done. Unlike some other picks, there’s no corresponding app to control it.

Some advanced pool cleaners have multiple cleaning cycles to choose from but with this pick, there’s only one cleaning mode. Still, it’ll clean your pool in 1.5 hours and then will need to charge for 2.5 hours, which is considerably less than some other options.

Price at the time of publish: $300

Product Details: Cycle Time: 1.5 hours | Cable Length: N/A | Weight: 7.6 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: Above-ground (round) and in-ground | Pool Length: Up to 40 feet

Better Homes & Gardens / Michael Navarro

Amazon

It operates quietly and is able to clean both pool walls and floors.

It wasn’t able to pick up leaves and other larger debris.

If algae is an issue in your pool, the best pool cleaner is this cordless pick from Aiper. The cleaner, which can be used in both above-ground and in-ground pools, was effective and cleaned both the walls and the floors.

The first time we tested this model, our pool had dead algae, bugs, leaves, and twigs throughout. Although it wasn’t successful in picking up some of the larger debris, it was able to clean up algae and other small leaves. The second time around, we noticed that some algae had been moved around and made our pool water cloudy, but it wasn’t an issue by the third round of testing.

At just under ten pounds the robot is fairly lightweight, so it was easy for us to place it in the pool. When it was done cleaning, it parked itself near the wall of the pool. It comes with a retrieval hook to fish it out but keep in mind that you’ll need a metal pool to attach it to.

Price at the time of publish: $650

Product Details: Cycle Time: Two hours | Cable Length: N/A | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: Above-ground and in-ground | Pool Length: Up to 60 feet

Better Homes & Gardens / Daniela Galvez

Amazon

It features a top-loading filter basket that’s easy to remove and clean.

We would have appreciated an app to assist in controlling the cleaner.

Pool walls can collect a lot of grime and debris but not every model is designed to clean them. Enter the Aiper Seagull Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner, a cordless style that thoroughly cleaned our pool walls with ease.

The pool cleaner came fully assembled, so all we had to do was charge it before the first use. It’ll typically need to charge for 1.5 hours, which is less time than some other styles, but it took us a little less time because it came with some battery life already.

Although it’s just over 20 pounds, we felt like the pool cleaner was lightweight and easy to drop into the pool. During the first use, we were surprised at how quickly it started working once it was in the water. We noticed that it didn’t seem to go in an organized pattern, so we ran it twice to make sure it cleaned everywhere. The second round of testing went better, however, and the pool cleaner seemed to do a better job of mapping out the space.

In our experience, the pool cleaner did a great job at cleaning our pool’s walls. In fact, it went all the way to the top of the wall and the brush went past the waterline. It even stayed there for a few seconds, cleaning and scrubbing the area. Overall, we’re confident that we could use this pick for weekly maintenance on our waterline.

The pool cleaner features a top-loading filter, which was easy to remove and clean. All we had to do was open the pool cleaner’s lid, remove the filter basket, and hose it off to remove the remnants. We did think it was a bit smaller than other pool cleaner filters, so keep that in mind based on how often you plan to use it.

Given the price, we would have preferred this pick to come with an app to help map out cleaning patterns and control the unit overall. However, we still found this option to be more effective than our previous pool cleaner and would still recommend it.

Price at the time of publish: $899

Product Details: Cycle Time: Three hours | Cable Length: N/a | Weight: 20.9 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: In-ground and above ground | Pool Length: Up to 3,200 feet

Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya

Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya

Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya

Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya

Better Homes & Gardens / Hildara Araya

Amazon

The design is compact and lightweight. Plus, it even flattened the lining of our pool.

The instructions aren’t very clear and recommend videos to watch for assembly.

Above-ground pools are either made of steel, aluminum, or resin, so you'll need a robotic pool cleaner, like the Dolphin Escape, that is made to tackle these surfaces. This pick’s design is compact and lightweight. Plus, it even flattened the lining in our pool.

One thing to love about this robot is the ultra-durable dual scrubbing brushes that can scour away algae and other stubborn contaminants that can build up on the pool's floor. During testing, the pool cleaner was very effective, and it cleaned up all of the debris and leaves in the area–the tested pool is located near a tree, so there was quite a bit of build-up.

The brush and tracks work seamlessly with this robot's smart navigation feature, which acts much like a GPS and helps the cleaner navigate your pool quickly. In fact, an entire clean cycle can be completed in just 1.5 hours. Just keep in mind that while the box was neatly organized and the instructions were accessible, they weren’t very clear. In fact, they recommend videos to watch for assembly, which we found helpful.

Price at time of publish: $679

Product Details: Cycle Time: 1.5 hours | Cable Length: 40 feet | Weight: 14 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: Above-ground | Pool Length: Up to 30 feet

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

Amazon

The cleaner features three cleaning frequency options, so it's easy to decide how often you want your pool to be cleaned.

It won't work for scrubbing your waterline.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is the best robotic pool vacuum for in-ground pools. Easy to use and ideal for in-ground pools up to 50 feet, this machine will clean your pool in just two hours. Plus, we found that it was lightweight and user-friendly.

Dual scrubbing brushes effortlessly wipe down algae and grime, while a filter picks up even the finest particles of dirt and sand. Built-in sensors can detect obstacles at the bottom of your pool and avoid them with little interruption. It's also designed to scale up pool walls and clean around stairs—just keep in mind it won't scrub your waterline. Overall, we felt that it was a highly effective model to consider.

It's also worth noting the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus has an easy-to-use, three-setting function, which allows you to schedule your robot to clean every day, every other day, or every third day. Thanks to the timer, you'll never have to worry if your pool is clean when you want to use it.

Price at time of publish: $969

Product Details: Cycle Time: Two hours | Cable Length: 60 feet | Weight: 19 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: In-ground or above ground | Pool Length: Up to 50 feet

Better Homes & Gardens / Matt Strelecki

Better Homes & Gardens / Matt Strelecki

Amazon

It’s quiet and climbs the waterline, unlike other models.

It's 44 pounds, which is heavier than other options.

FaiWith built-in Wi-Fi and the option to connect to its own iAquaLink app, the Polaris 9650iQ is the best pool cleaner if you prefer smart features. Whether home or away, you'll be able to control your robot right from your phone, including scheduling cleans and checking how dirty the filter is. You can also manually drive your robot around the pool and customize its cleaning pattern.

Overall, we felt that the pool cleaner was effective at suctioning the pool walls and floor. It was able to easily climb up the waterline, unlike some other models. Plus, it runs quietly and can be programmed to different cleaning modes based on what your pool needs.

The cleaner is 44 pounds, which is heavier than some other options out there. However, with this model, you can activate the cleaner's lift system through the app, which will tell your robot to scale the wall so you can easily lift it out of the water.

Price at time of publish: $1,490

Product Details: Cycle Time: Variable programming | Cable Length: 70 feet | Weight: 44 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: In-ground | Pool Length: Not listed

Amazon

The compact, cordless design made it easy to set up and store.

It took us a few tries to find the best angle setting for the cleaner to work effectively.

The Aiper Seagull 1000 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is the best pool cleaner if your pool is on the smaller side. We appreciated that it was simple to assemble, and the cordless style made it easy to store between cleanings.

The model is ideal for pools that are up to 50 feet. Since it’s cordless, you won’t have to worry about any tangled cords while it navigates your pool. We found that it was effective and was impressed with how much the small model cleaned. However, you’ll want to be careful when you lift it out of the water as some debris may fall back into the pool.

It took us a few tries to find the best angle setting for the cleaner to work effectively. We also noted that the model spent a lot of time in the deeper end of the pool, so you should start it in the shallow end and return it there to ensure your whole pool gets cleaned. However, we recommend the compact model, which is less expensive than other options.

Price at time of publish: $320

Product Details: Cycle Time: 90 minutes | Cable Length: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Suggested Pool Type: Above-ground | Pool Length: Up to 50 feet

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

Amazon

This robot comes equipped with four-wheel drive traction to ensure a thorough clean, even on walls.

We would have appreciated a more detailed instruction manual.

When it comes to large pools, the best robotic pool cleaner is the Aquabot X4 model. The cleaner features a long cable and cycle timer that ensures it gets the job done.

The cleaner features a 60-foot cord as well as an oversized top-loading filter cartridge that can scoop up to 190 cubic inches of leaves, twigs, dirt, and debris before needing to be cleaned. Plus, it also has four-wheel drive traction and micro brushes that ensure optimal cleaning on both floors and walls, a feature we highly recommended after testing.

You can also choose your preferred length and frequency of cleanings. Program settings are available for one-, 1.5-, and two-hour cleaning cycles, and the convenient timer can be set to automatically run every 48, 72, or 96 hours. When it came to the cleaning cycles, however, we found that the instructions were not detailed and didn’t indicate the length of each cleaning program, so we weren’t sure we were using the best cycle for their pool.

No matter the shape of your pool, you'll appreciate the AutoX Pool Mapping technology, which calculates your pool's shape and the best cleaning approach for speed and efficiency. As it runs, you won't have to worry about the cord getting tangled, thanks to the anti-tangle swivel feature. Be aware, though, that this pool cleaner, at 30 pounds, does weigh a bit more than others on our list.

Price at time of publish: $747

Product Details: Cycle Time: One to two hours | Cable Length: 60 feet | Weight: 30 pounds | Suggested Pool Type: Above-ground, in-ground | Pool Length: Up to 60 feet

Leslie's

The pool cleaner has multiple cleaning modes, can be controlled with an app, and has a long floating cable.

The unit is more expensive than other options.

The Polaris VRXIQ+ Robotic Pool Cleaner with iAquaLink Control is the best pool cleaner if you prefer a unit that has multiple settings and is easy to transport. The pool cleaner comes with a steel caddy that makes it easy to move the unit from the pool to its storage spot.

The robot cleaner features a 70-foot cable that comes in handy with each of the unit's cleaning settings: SMART cycle, quick clean, deep clean, waterline only, and custom. It can be controlled via an app, which allows you to also do targeted spot cleanings.

Once you're done using the pool cleaner, you'll appreciate the included powder-coated alloy caddy. The design, which doesn't require any tools to assemble, has a handle that'll make it easy to move the robotic pool cleaner to a storage space in your backyard, so you won't have to worry about doing any heavy lifting.

The wheeled caddy was easy for us to set up as it snaps in place and doesn’t require any hardware. Plus, the caddy allows the unit to sit upright, which may end up saving you space depending on where you store it.

Price at time of publish: $1,649

Product Details: Cycle Time: Not listed | Cable Length: 70 feet | Weight: Not listed | Suggested Pool Type: In-ground | Pool Length: Up to 60 feet

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

Overall, the best robotic pool cleaner is the Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner. Although it’s an investment, we liked the double filtered waste basket that ensured even the finest debris was cleaned up. It also earned a perfect score in testing due in part to its easy setup and multiple cleaning cycles.

To find the best robotic pool cleaners, we put a variety of models to the test right at home. After using our given models several times over the course of a few months, we evaluated each model based on four categories: design, ease of use, effectiveness, and value. After up to four months of use, depending on location, we reviewed a few of the robotic pool cleaners again, keeping in mind performance, as well as anything we liked or would change about each model.

Throughout testing, we used the cleaners at least three times. Prior to putting the pool cleaner in the water, we recorded the pool conditions, like what kinds of trees and plants surround the pool, as well as any weather conditions that may have contributed to the level of debris. We then set up each pick based on the instruction manual.

In terms of design, we evaluated if the pool cleaner had an ergonomic design and was comfortable and easy to use. A pool cleaner received a higher score if it had features like a handle or caddy. Ease of use was evaluated based on if the unit came already set up, as well as how easy it was to do any necessary assembly and place it in the water.

A pool cleaner’s effectiveness was scored based on how well it removed debris from each pool. The best pool cleaners received high scores if it was easy for us to remove debris from the product, as well as clean or replace the filter.

After evaluating each category, we were given the price of the product we were testing. Value was then determined based on our opinion of the product, like if we felt the price was reasonable and if we would recommend it.

While testing, we also considered the noise level of the device, charging times, ease of storage, which areas of the pool it could clean, and if the pool cleaner ever got stuck and needed assistance.

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

Overall, we felt that the Aiper Seagull 600 Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is ideal for smaller pools. We appreciated that it came with a hook that can connect to the cleaner’s long handle, making it easier to take it out of the water. Assembly took us a bit of time as there weren’t very clear instructions. After the cleaner went through a cycle, we still noticed leaves and other debris on the bottom of the pool.

We appreciated that the Dolphin Nautilus CC Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner was lightweight and liked the built-in handles that made it easy to use. It’s also designed to work in both in-ground and above-ground pools and had strong suction. After six months of use, however, the unit broke and we sent the unit in for repairs. Dolphin sent us a pre-paid shipping label and we received the unit back after a few weeks.

The HYDRUS Robotic Pool Vacuum was easy to use and was so quiet you could barely tell it was on. It was also so lightweight that we felt like we could drop it into the pool one-handed. However, the pool cleaner only cleans the floors, not the walls, and we would have liked if there was an app to better control the cleaning patterns.

Better Homes & Gardens / Anna Knief

One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for robotic pool cleaners is the size and depth of your pool. Robotic pool cleaners have varying cable lengths, so you want to make sure you choose one that's going to reach the entire span of your swimming pool, from your power source to the furthest, deepest point of the pool. Most robotic pool cleaners come with cables that range from 50 to 60 feet.

A robotic pool cleaner can be anywhere from 6 to 30 pounds, more or less, so it's worth noting the weight of the unit while you shop—once you factor in water and the collected debris, lifting your robot out of the water could be difficult to manage. To help, consider a model with a wheeled caddy that allows you to roll your robot to and from storage, as well as designs with sturdy handles. Some models even have settings that'll bring the robotic pool cleaner up the side of the pool when it's done cleaning, making it easier to take it out of the water.

Automated robotic pool vacuums typically run between two and six hours, with some models offering a quick clean in as little as 1.5 hours, depending on your pool size. Keep in mind that you should never program your robot to run continuously, as it can wear out the motor and filter.

When picking up debris from your pool's floor, your robot deposits that waste into a bag or cartridge. Some models use disposable filter bags, while others offer reusable filter bags or cartridges that can be cleaned with a quick spray from your garden hose. If your pool gets particularly dirty, choose a model with a larger capacity; otherwise, you'll find yourself frequently emptying the bag. More advanced models even have multiple filters for different types of debris.

When choosing the best robotic pool cleaner for your needs, consider the shape, slope, and material of your pool.

In-ground pools are either made of concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass, so it is important to make sure your vacuum is compatible with cleaning those surfaces," says Vernon.

For above-ground pools, you'll want to look for something compatible with your pool's material type, often aluminum or steel, as well as a model with larger, sturdier wheels that will be able to tackle a less-smooth pool floor.

You'll also want to consider the shape of your pool and the slope of its floor, making sure the pool cleaner is compatible with it.

"Choose a model that will clean your pool well and not get stuck on obstacles such as stairs, ladders, and drains," says Vernon.

These devices use advanced motors that allow them to operate seamlessly without consuming a ton of power. Much like a traditional vacuum, robotic pool cleaners suck up dirt and debris, storing it in an attached filter bag or canister that can be emptied after each use. High-quality robotic pool cleaners have exceptional mobility, allowing them to easily move around curves, stairs, and sharp corners.

Robotic pool cleaners often use software to determine how to clean your pool, using built-in sensors to detect things like the size and shape of your pool as well as areas with more debris, allowing for a more effective clean. Some models also offer additional features like the ability to schedule pool cleanings via remote control or smartphone app.

Pool cleaners should be handled with care but are perfectly safe to use while swimming. However, the robot may not do as great of a job cleaning while you're in the pool with it.

"Technically, you can swim while your vacuum is at work, but I do not recommend it," says Vernon. "It's best for debris to settle at the bottom of the pool for the vacuum to suck it up."

If you are swimming, Vernon explains, the water will be churning and make it harder for your vacuum to do the same job.

Though keeping your pool clean is an important step, how often you should run your robotic pool cleaner is based on a few factors.

"The answer depends on how often you use your pool, how dirty it gets from the surrounding area, and the model of vacuum that you purchase," Vernon says. " If you use your pool daily or find a lot of debris sweeping into your pool, you can run your cleaner daily."

If you do not use your pool as often, Vernon suggests running it once a week for optimal upkeep. It's also important to be mindful of your filter and ensure you're cleaning it out regularly. "For the best results, you'll want a clean filter so that it can pick up as much debris as possible within its capacity," Vernon says.

This article was written by Adria Greenhauff, who has been writing about food and lifestyle topics for over a decade. To come up with this list of the best robotic pool cleaners, she researched top-selling models, considering factors like size, filter capacity, and added technology. She also consulted Stewart Vernon, COO and founder of America's Swimming Pool Company (ASP), and Dr. Claudia Duncan, owner and CEO of Professional Pool Management, for additional insight.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.