We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Outdoor & Patio Pool Gear The 9 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Plus, expert advice on how to keep your pool looking fresh and tidy. By Rachel Simon Rachel Simon Rachel has written for Dotdash Meredith's Ecommerce team since 2020, covering home goods, tech, fashion, beauty, and more. She's interviewed dozens of experts and is always on top of the latest trends and product releases. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 02, 2024 Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Shereen Jegtvig is an author, fact-checker, and expert with over two decades of experience in health and wellness within the lifestyle space. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple /Hildara Araya Having a pool can be a wonderful thing, especially in the summertime when there’s nothing better than a relaxing dip in the water. However, maintaining a pool requires a lot of work, which is why we recommend a robotic pool cleaner to help you with the cleaning process. To help you find the best robotic pool cleaners on the market, we tested 23 options, rating them on factors like value, design, ease of use, and more. We also got expert advice from York Guo, CMO of Beatbot, and Brad Zimmerman, general manager of All Seasons Pools and Spas, on what to look for when shopping for these types of cleaners and how to maintain them. Our Top Picks Best Overall Robotic Pool Cleaner: Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $799 Jump to Review Best Budget Robotic Pool Cleaner: WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $116 Jump to Review Best Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner: Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $1,549 Jump to Review Best Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner: Polaris Freedom Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $1,699 Jump to Review Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for In-Ground Pools: Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner at Amazon $1,499 Jump to Review Best Robotic Cleaner for Above-Ground Pools: SALE Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $897 $699 Jump to Review Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Debris: Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner at Amazon $1,449 Jump to Review Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Algae: Aiper Elite Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner at Aiper.com Jump to Review Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Walls: Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner at Amazon $700 Jump to Review Best Overall Robotic Pool Cleaner Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $749 at Amazon View on Walmart What Stands Out It’s a highly effective, easy-to-use cleaner that works remarkably fast. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t do waterline cleaning. In our opinion, you can’t do better than this top-rated robotic pool cleaner from Dolphin. It’s a powerful, easy-to-use device that’ll have your pool looking amazingly fresh in just two hours, and it works in pools of all shapes and surface types. Just plug in the robot, drop it in the water, turn on the power, and it’ll start cleaning immediately. This cleaner is just as effective when scrubbing off the walls as tackling the floors, thanks to its intrinsic navigation technology that scans the pool to find the best path—which we confirmed gets more and more accurate over time. We found that this cleaner picked up a significant amount of dirt and debris, including leaves, and left our pool looking immaculately clear and clean. Plus, due to the machine’s lightweight design and sturdy handle, we were able to lift in and out of the pool very easily. You can maintain the cleaner simply by removing and rinsing the top-load filter basket—just make sure to check the filter status often to make sure it hasn’t become clogged. And while this cleaner is certainly pricey, it’ll save you hours you would have spent cleaning, so it’s worth the splurge if you can. Pool Type & Size: All types, up to 40 feet | Cleaning Coverage: Floor and walls | Cord Length: 60 feet | Weight: 20.8 pounds Real Simple / Matt Strelecki Real Simple / Matt Strelecki Best Budget Robotic Pool Cleaner WYBOT Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $116 at Amazon What Stands Out The battery life is very long. What Could Be Improved It only cleans floors, not walls or stairs. Robotic pool cleaners can be expensive, and there are few quality options at an affordable price point. After testing, we found that the Wybot Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner is the best low-priced, effective device for removing dirt, pebbles, and leaves from pool floors. Although this pool cleaner can't handle walls or stairs, it’s still worthwhile due to its ease of use, lightweight make, and long battery life. It has dual-motor power and a handy auto-reverse feature that prevents it from hitting walls or getting stuck in corners. The cleaner also comes with a handle and hook to easily remove it from the pool. Plus, it automatically drives closer to the pool edge when the battery gets low. Cleaning this device is simple, requiring just a quick spray of water on the filter. While it may not have extra features or Wi-Fi capability, this robotic pool cleaner still offers impressive effectiveness at an affordable price. Pool Type & Size: All types, up to 500 square feet | Cleaning Coverage: Floor | Cord Length: N/A | Weight: 7.9 pounds Real Simple / Kathryn Stephenson Real Simple / Kathryn Stephenson Real Simple / Kathryn Stephenson Real Simple / Kathryn Stephenson Best Smart Robotic Pool Cleaner Dolphin Explorer E50 Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Pool Warehouse $1,549 at Amazon View on Poolwarehouse.com $1,599 at Lowe's What Stands Out Its user-friendly interface and app make it super easy to control. What Could Be Improved It’s the highest-priced cleaner on our list. If you want to make your pool cleaning as simple as possible, opt for a smart device like this robotic cleaner from Dolphin, which can be controlled from anywhere thanks to a user-friendly and easy-to-set-up app. Just download the app, plug in the cleaner, and drop it in the pool—it’ll do the rest of the work for you. You can also use both the fully customizable interface and the app to schedule cleanings and switch through cycles, making this truly a hands-off cleaning experience; it’ll even notify you when it’s done cleaning. This cleaner comes with three distinct cleaning modes (quick, regular, and ultra) so you can customize it to your needs. It uses a powerful suction motor to collect grime and leaves, and its double-filtered waste basket means even the finest debris is picked up. It attacks both floors and walls (as well as stairs) with equal effectiveness, and its built-in scrubbers work particularly great on waterlines. Plus, it’s light enough to easily drop in the pool with one hand. We used this robotic pool cleaner twice every week over six months, and it performed exceptionally well every time (minus the singular time it got stuck on the stairs). Regardless of what debris it encountered, the Dolphin made quick and efficient work of achieving a clean, leaf-free pool. Compared to other pool cleaners we tried, this was truly a standout product for its easy-to-use controls and high-quality design. The only con is that it’s very expensive. If you can swing it though, you’ll probably never need another pool cleaner again, since this one does it all and is fully customizable. Pool Type & Size: All types, up to 50 feet | Cleaning Coverage: Floor, walls, and waterline | Cord Length: 60 feet | Weight: 19.2 pounds Real Simple / Henry Yung Real Simple / Henry Yung Real Simple / Henry Yung Best Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner Polaris Freedom Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $1,699 at Amazon View on Polarispool.com View on Lesliespool.com What Stands Out It has four cleaning modes and a waterline-only option. What Could Be Improved It’s expensive, and the app sometimes glitches. Long cords on your pool cleaner can become tangled or unruly, so if you want a cordless model, opt for the Polaris Freedom Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner. While the cordless design is our favorite standout feature, this pool cleaner doesn't compromise power or efficiency. During testing, it picked up silt, pollen, insects, and debris that was otherwise undetectable. You can choose from four cleaning modes (including a helpful waterline-only option) and sit back as the cleaner smoothly travels across your pool’s floor, walls, and stairs without getting stuck. This model has tracks with impressive grip, a large filter, and a rubber paddle system to thoroughly scrub all areas of the pool in under three hours. The device is WiFi-enabled, and you can use the connected app to track how much time remains in the cycle. Though this is a handy addition, the app glitches at times. This cleaner is also quite expensive, but its smart features and ease of use—including its ability to climb the pool walls when it’s done working—make it a worthy purchase. Pool Type & Size: All types, up to 50 feet | Cleaning Coverage: Floor, walls, and waterline | Cord Length: N/A | Weight: 32 pounds Real Simple / Kyle Rock Real Simple / Kyle Rock Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for In-Ground Pools Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme Robotic Pool Vacuum Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $1,299 at Amazon $1,399 at Target What Stands Out It’s Wi-Fi-enabled, and the app is very easy to set up and use. What Could Be Improved It sports a notably high price tag. Have an in-ground pool that needs some maintenance? Check out this top-notch option from Dolphin, which is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that can be managed and adjusted from an app on your phone. We found the multiple automatic and manual cleaning options to be easy to understand and use, even for tight spots in the pool that required tricky maneuvering. The scrubbing brush was very impressive, and the robot’s navigation system made it always stay on course. Additionally, the filters were very easy to remove and clean, and the long cable never got twisted and caught up during testing. Size-wise, this cleaner is not too bulky or heavy and is simple to place in and remove from the pool. The app is a majorly convenient feature that saves lots of time since you can keep tabs on the cleaning as it goes and make sure the filter isn’t too full. This device does sport a very high price tag though, so it won’t be for everyone. But if you can swing the cost, this cleaner is very much worth the money due to how easy it is to operate and how thoroughly it cleans. Pool Type & Size: In-ground only, up to 50 feet | Cleaning Coverage: Floor, walls, and waterline | Cord Length: 60 feet | Weight: 20.8 pounds Real Simple / Julee Evans Best Robotic Cleaner for Above-Ground Pools Dolphin Escape Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $699 at Amazon What Stands Out It’s very compact and lightweight compared to other pool cleaners. What Could Be Improved It can’t handle large-sized pools. Although this robot cleaner from Dolphin can work in pools of all types, it’s especially designed for above-ground pools, due to its notably small size and lightweight feel. It runs on low-voltage motors that save energy, and uses smart robotic scanning to clean all areas of the pool efficiently. We found it easy to operate and were impressed with how it collected 100% of the debris and leaves in the pool. It even flattened the pool liner a bit as it circulated through the pool. Additionally, the large filter cartridge is easy to access and clean, and the cleaner’s continuous rubber tracks allow it to navigate the pool without getting stuck or taking on water. While this cleaner doesn’t fold up, it’s compact enough that storing it when not in use is no problem. Due to its smaller size, it won’t be the best option for anyone with a particularly large or deep pool, but if you have a small area to cover, it’ll definitely come in handy. Pool Type & Size: All types, up to 30 feet | Cleaning Coverage: Floor | Cord Length: 40 feet | Weight: 14.2 pounds Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Debris Dolphin Premier Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $1,449 at Amazon $1,399 at Walmart What Stands Out It’s a powerful yet gentle cleaner that moves around smoothly. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t come with a lot of special features, despite the high price tag. For pools that tend to get filled with a lot of debris, this cleaner from Dolphin will make a big difference. It’s a seriously powerful cleaner featuring dual scrubbing brushes that can effectively scour every inch of your pool in a three-hour window (it even picked up a rogue pool toy). The long cable won’t tangle easily either, and it helps the device move smoothly around all areas of the pool for a thorough yet gentle cleaning. Starting up the robot takes just a few seconds, and despite its significant power, we found that it’s lightweight and easy to move around. Additionally, the handles help the robot right itself when it gets stuck, and there are three filter options to choose from so you can customize the type of cleaning you want. This cleaner doesn’t come with a remote or app, and it’s limited in special features. Still, you can set it to clean on a weekly schedule through its interface, and check when the filter is full via an indicator light. At the end of the day, it’s a big expense, but it makes a huge difference if you have a lot of debris in your pool. Pool Type & Size: All types, up to 50 feet | Cleaning Coverage: Floor, walls, and waterline | Cord Length: 60 feet | Weight: 20.3 pounds Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Algae Aiper Elite Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon View on Aiper.com What Stands Out It’s great at picking up small debris and is ultra lightweight. What Could Be Improved It has a long charge time and isn’t the best at tackling large debris. Got algae? Consider this great cleaner from Aiper, which will impressively tackle all the algae and other small debris present in your pool. It’s a cordless, battery-powered device that can run for up to 120 minutes without needing a charge, and has a dual motor system that keeps it going smoothly in all areas of the pool. This pool cleaner is very lightweight at just 10 pounds, which makes it super easy to just drop it in the pool and store it after use. It’s also noticeably quiet, and barely made a noise as it worked. Since this cleaner runs on batteries, you will have to wait a few hours for it to fully charge before use, which may be annoying to some folks. But if you’re willing to wait, you’ll be glad you did; this device cleaned our pool wall and floor with no trouble and was a beast at cleaning algae. While we were very impressed at its ability to pick up small debris, it’s not the best choice if you primarily want to clean up larger debris, like leaves. When it’s done or low on battery, it’ll park itself near the pool walls, so you can easily retrieve it by hand or with the included hook. Pool Type & Size: All types, up to 1300 square feet | Cleaning Coverage: Floor and walls | Cord Length: N/A | Weight: 9.9 pounds Real Simple / Daniela Galvez Real Simple / Daniela Galvez Real Simple / Daniela Galvez Best Robotic Pool Cleaner for Walls Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $700 at Amazon View on Aiper.com What Stands Out It comes out of the water to clean the surrounding tile. What Could Be Improved It’s a heavyweight option. With this top-quality robotic cleaner from Aiper, your pool’s walls will be clean as a whistle in no time. In our tests, we were impressed by how well this powerful device picked up debris as it climbed the walls—it even came out of the water to clean the tile, an unexpected and appreciated feature unique to this model. This cleaner only takes two hours to charge and can run for 150 minutes, enough time to tackle your pool's walls and floor. It comes with four cleaning modes and is easy to set up, minimizing the time it takes to get up and running. Plus, the device automatically returns to its starting spot, and the filter is easy to clean for streamlined maintenance. One downside of this cleaner is its heaviness; which makes it difficult to remove from the pool, even with the included hook, so it’s probably not the best option for anyone with back issues. It also doesn’t skim the pool’s surface, so you may need to supplement this cleaner with a pool net. Still, the Aiper Scuba S1 is a reliable and effective cleaner at a reasonable price. Pool Type & Size: All types, up to 1600 square feet | Cleaning Coverage: Floor, walls, and waterline | Cord Length: N/A | Weight: 20 pounds Real Simple / Paden Reich Real Simple / Paden Reich Real Simple / Paden Reich Final Verdict For a reliable, fast-acting robotic pool cleaner, we recommend the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner, due to its ease of use, lightweight design, and overall effectiveness. For a less expensive model, check out the Wybot Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner, a lightweight and long-lasting option that’ll more than do the job. Our Testing Process We tested 23 different robotic pool cleaners over several months, using the pools in real-world conditions. First, we prepared the pools for use, performing such tasks as performing a backwash, cleaning filters and pump baskets, and making sure chemical balances were correct. Once the pool was ready for use, we set up each robotic pool cleaner. We started by timing how long setting up the pool cleaner took, from unboxing it until all the pieces were assembled. For battery-powered robotic cleaners, we immediately charged them and timed how long that process took. For Wi-Fi-enabled pool cleaners, we downloaded the applicable app and registered the model. We used each pool cleaner at least once a week, depending on pool usage, over 2-4 months. Before each cleaning, we took note of what type and how much debris was present in the pool. During the first cleaning, we observed the entire process, taking note of the cleaning path and areas that the robot was able (and unable) to get to. For every other cleaning, we both observed the robot and also left it unsupervised during stretches of the cleaning process. After each cleaning, we recorded how long the process took, how clean the pool was afterward, and what types of debris the cleaner was able to get. We also performed any maintenance required, such as emptying the collection bag and cleaning the filter. Throughout the testing period, we considered the robotic pool cleaner’s ease of use, design, heaviness, noise level, effectiveness at cleaning, and ease of maintenance. We also evaluated the cord length (when applicable) and whether it was prone to tangling, as well as whether the robot got stuck at any point. Lastly, we considered whether the price of each cleaner reflected its value. Real Simple / Henry Yung How to Shop for Robotic Pool Cleaners Like a Pro Pool Type Most robotic pool cleaners can work well in both in-ground and above-ground pools, but some models are specifically designed for use in only one of those types. Smaller cleaners in particular are better for above-ground pools since they require less space, but be sure to carefully look over the cleaner you’re considering before buying it to see if it’ll work in your particular pool. Additionally, the robotic pool cleaner you choose “should work with a range of pool surfaces, such as concrete, ceramic tiles, vinyl, or fiberglass,” says Guo. Cleaning Coverage Most robotic pool cleaners can handle pools up to around 50 feet in length, but the coverage can vary depending on “their battery capacity, cleaning performance, power consumption, and level of intelligence–less sophisticated robots are prone to repeated cleaning and omissions,” Guo explains. Cord Length While some robotic pool cleaners are battery-powered and cordless, most models have long cables that need to be attached to a power source. Expect the cord to be anywhere from 30 to 75 feet, with an average of about 60 feet, says Zimmerman, “more than enough to cover even the longest length pools.” If needed, though, you can always connect the pool cleaner to an extension cord for greater length. “Due to varying pool sizes and shapes, it’s not always straightforward to determine the appropriate cord length,” Guo says, so that extension cord might come in handy. Also, if you opt for a corded model, make sure to consider the weight, not just the length. “Imagine having to carry and manage a bulky cord that is over 60 feet long!”, Guo notes. Features Robotic pool cleaners can sport many different features, all of which are worth considering. Some common features include: Advanced navigation technology such as sensors or mapping, can “help the cleaner navigate the pool more efficiently and ensure complete coverage,” says Whitman. Programmable cleaning cycles and modes that you can customize based on your pool’s needs and size. “The ability to set and customize cleaning cycles can help ensure efficient and thorough cleaning,” Whitman says. You’ll typically find this feature in models that are Wi-Fi-enabled and can be controlled by an app. High-level suction power and scrubbing ability, which allows the cleaner to “effectively remove dirt, debris, and algae from the pool surface and walls,” says Whitman. Energy-efficient motors that can “save on electricity costs and reduce environmental impact,” says Whitman. Remote controls or apps that let you conveniently control the robot from afar. Several of the models we recommend can be connected to an app, like the Dolphin Explorer E50, our Best Smart pick. Real Simple / Henry Yung More Robotic Pool Cleaners to Consider Dolphin Nautilus CC Robotic Pool Cleaner: This lightweight device cleans thoroughly and comes at a relatively low price point. Still, the cable isn’t particularly long and it only covers pools that are 33 feet in length—and there is no way to spot-clean trouble areas of the pool. Hydrus Roker Plus Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner: A popular (and very budget-friendly) cordless option, this cleaner is lightweight and straightforward, requiring little attention or maintenance. However, it only cleans floors, and in our testing, it kept getting stuck by the ladder and confused by the slope. Questions You Might Ask Is a robotic pool cleaner worth it? A robotic pool cleaner is worth the cost, according to Whitman. “One of the biggest advantages of a robotic pool cleaner is that it can save you a lot of time and effort compared to manually cleaning your pool,” he notes. “Instead of spending hours brushing and vacuuming the pool yourself, you can simply drop the cleaner into the water and let it do the work for you.” Additionally, robotic pool cleaners tend to be energy-efficient (making them more cost-effective in the long term) and convenient, since you can often control them remotely and schedule their cleaning times. And of course, there’s their effectiveness: “Robotic pool cleaners are designed to thoroughly clean the bottom and walls of your pool, as well as remove debris and contaminants that might be missed by other types of cleaners,” says Whitman. “Overall,” he adds, “if you value your time and want to enjoy a clean and clear pool without spending a lot of effort, a robotic pool cleaner can be worth the investment.” Can robotic pool cleaners clean larger debris? It depends on the cleaner, says Whitman. “Most robotic pool cleaners are designed to pick up smaller debris like dirt, leaves, and insects. However, some models come with larger intake ports or debris bags that can handle bigger debris like twigs, pebbles, and small rocks,” he explains. If you do have a lot of large debris in your pool, “look for a robotic pool cleaner that has a large debris bag or basket, and powerful suction or scrubbing capabilities,” Whitman says. “You may also want to consider a model with a clog-resistant design or a manual cleaning mode, which can help you remove larger debris that might get stuck in the cleaner's intake or brushes.” If you have a lot of debris in your pool, we recommend the Dolphin Premier, which has a large debris bag, impressive suction, and dual scrubbing brushes for extra effectiveness. How much should you expect to pay for a robotic pool cleaner? “The cost of a robotic pool cleaner can vary depending on the model, brand, and features,” says Whitman, but “generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,500 or more for a robotic pool cleaner.” He adds that lower-priced models “typically have fewer features and may not be suitable for larger or more complex pools. They may also have shorter warranty periods or be less durable than higher-end models.” Pricier models, meanwhile, may boast numerous special features and “be better suited for larger or more challenging pool configurations, and typically come with longer warranty periods,” he says. Can you leave a robotic pool cleaner in the pool at all times? You can, but it’s not recommended. “Robotic pool cleaners are designed for the underwater environment, so generally, leaving the robot in the water for an extended period won’t directly cause any functional issues,” says Guo. “However, we recommend cleaning the robot regularly as the debris in the filter can rot and produce a foul odor.” Zimmerman adds that cleaners shouldn’t be left in pools for long periods during the winter months. “The cold water makes components that should be pliable and agile, more rigid and stiff, that can make the cleaner not work right,” he explains. Real Simple / Kyle Rock Take Our Word for It This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. To write this article, we tested 23 robotic pool cleaners over several months and evaluated them on ease of use, effectiveness, value, design, and more. For expert insight, we spoke to Phil Whitman of Proactive Pool Solutions, York Guo, CMO of Beatbot, and Brad Zimmerman, general manager of All Seasons Pools and Spas. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.