10 Best Pool Cleaner Robots 2025 in the United States

The Polaris VRX iQ+ is a smart robotic pool cleaner designed for efficient and customizable cleaning. Its SMART Cycle Cleaning Mode scans the pool’s shape, size, and surface to tailor the cleaning time, helping save effort and energy. With 7 cleaning modes—including a waterline-only option—it offers flexible cleaning to suit different pool needs. The large, illuminated debris canister makes it easy to see when it needs emptying, which is convenient for maintenance.

Navigation is enhanced by 4-wheel drive and Vortex Vacuum technology, allowing it to clean from the floor up to the waterline. A notably long 70-foot cable with a tangle-reducing swivel adds to its coverage and ease of use. Control via the iAquaLink app adds convenience, letting you schedule cleaning cycles remotely and monitor the cleaner’s status. The unit weighs 44 pounds, which is on the heavier side, potentially making it less portable for some users despite its easy-lift feature. It runs on AC power, so it needs to be plugged in during use, which is typical but worth noting.

The build uses aluminum for durability, and it includes a limited warranty, giving some assurance of quality. While its price point and weight might be higher compared to lighter models, for someone looking for a thorough, tech-savvy cleaner with strong navigation and control features, the Polaris VRX iQ+ represents a solid choice.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC is a solid choice for above-ground or in-ground pools up to 33 feet long. It efficiently climbs walls to scrub surfaces thoroughly, which is great if your pool has vertical areas that collect grime. The active scrubbing brush helps remove debris without damaging pool surfaces, so you get a deep clean with minimal effort. It uses a top-load filter basket that's easy to access and clean, letting you keep the water clear without hassle.

The cleaner is powered by a corded electric source, so it's limited by the cable length and requires an outlet nearby, but this also means consistent power. It runs a cleaning cycle of about two hours, which is a reasonable balance between cleaning time and energy use. Weighing around 15 pounds, it's fairly portable and easy to handle when placing it in or out of your pool. One thing to note is that it does not clean the waterline area, so you might need occasional manual cleaning there.

The device comes from a reputable brand with decades of experience, backed by a limited warranty, indicating decent durability. While the plug-and-play setup is straightforward, the lack of advanced navigation features means it follows a set pattern rather than smart mapping. This makes it a dependable, user-friendly robot that suits pool owners looking for thorough floor and wall cleaning without the complexity of high-tech controls.

The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi Automatic Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner excels in several key areas for pool-cleaner-robots. It offers comprehensive cleaning coverage, efficiently climbing walls to ensure thorough cleaning of in-ground pools up to 50 feet in length. The wall-scrubbing power means it can handle various pool surfaces and shapes with ease.

The product supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to schedule cleanings from anywhere, which is a convenient feature for busy pool owners. Additionally, the top-load filter basket makes maintenance simple, and the plug-and-play system ensures easy operation without complicated setup. The cleaning cycle time is impressive, completing the job in approximately 2 hours, making it a time-efficient choice.

The product is energy efficient and high efficiency, adding to its appeal for those looking to reduce energy consumption. With a weight of 34.4 pounds, it may be on the heavier side, potentially impacting portability. The durability is backed by the Dolphin brand's legacy and a limited warranty, providing some peace of mind. The use of a lithium-ion battery and AC power source offers reliable performance. However, considering its weight, some users might find it less portable compared to lighter models.