The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners of 2025

If you have a swimming pool in your backyard, you already know how much upkeep it requires. From skimmers to pool vacuums, you've likely got a shed full of stuff to keep your backyard waters clear. Over the last few years, leading pool care brands have developed a smart way to help out, literally. Enter: robotic pool cleaners.

The best robotic pool cleaners repurpose some of the skills that make robot vacuums so popular for your swimming pool. More and more pool owners are coming around to this marriage of convenience and smart tech.

Pool cleaner robots like the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi (available at Amazon) make it easy to clean in-ground pools, traversing the water surface, floors, and walls with a set of rubber treads. A built-in filtration system collects dirt, debris, algae, and even leaves, so cleaning your pool will never be the same. With the added benefit of Wi-Fi, this Nautilus can be activated remotely or put on a cleaning schedule for optimal ease in keeping a clean pool.

If you have an above-ground pool, the Aiper Seagull SE (available at Amazon) is an economical and effective choice, and if you're just looking for surface skimming, try Beatbot's iSkim Ultra (available at Amazon).

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Other Robotic Pool Cleaners We Evaluated

Robot Pool Cleaners At A Glance

Not all robotic pool cleaners are built the same. Use the chart below to compare how each model stacks up across pool type, cleaning coverage, navigation, and ideal use case—so you can pick the right robot without scrolling back and forth.

Model	Pool Type	Floor/Wall	Waterline Cleaning	Power	Best For	Price Tier
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Wi-Fi	In-ground	Floor & walls	Yes	Corded	Best all-around	$$$
Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra	In-ground	Floor & walls	Yes	Cordless	Premium navigation & cleaning	$$$$
Aiper Seagull SE	In-ground	Floor only	No	Cordless	Value & cordless convenience	$$
Beatbot iSkim Ultra	In-ground	Surface skimming only	N/A	Solar battery	Best for surface debris	$$$
Wybot S2 Solar Vision	In-ground	Floor only	No	Solar battery	Eco-friendly, hands-off	$$$

Price key: $$ = Value; $$$ = Midrange; $$$$ = Premium

Note: “Floor only” cleaners handle debris on the pool bottom, while “Floor & walls” models cover more surfaces for a deeper clean. Wall and waterline cleaning varies by unit and pool conditions.

What Type of Pool Cleaner Do You Need?

Before choosing a specific model, it’s important to understand the three main types of pool cleaners. While this guide focuses on robotic pool cleaners, many shoppers are still deciding whether a robotic model is the right choice.

Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners operate independently from your pool’s pump and filtration system. They plug into a standard outlet and use built-in motors, brushes, and filters to scrub and vacuum debris.

Best for:

• Most in-ground pool owners
• People who want the most thorough cleaning
• Pools with heavy debris or algae buildup

Pros:

• Strong cleaning performance
• Doesn’t strain your pool pump
• Often cleans walls and waterlines

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost
• Requires occasional filter cleaning and storage

For most homeowners, robotic cleaners offer the best balance of performance and convenience, which is why they dominate our top picks.

Suction-Side Pool Cleaners

Suction-side cleaners connect directly to your pool’s skimmer or suction line and use your pool pump to move around the pool.

Best for:

• Smaller pools
• Light debris
• Budget-conscious buyers

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost
• Simple design

Cons:

• Relies on your pool’s pump
• Can reduce filtration efficiency
• Typically limited to floor-only cleaning

Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners

Pressure-side cleaners connect to a return line and often require a separate booster pump to operate.

Best for:

• Pools with large debris like leaves
• Homes already equipped with a booster pump

Pros:

• Handles larger debris better than suction-side models
• Less likely to clog your pool filter

Cons:

• Higher operating costs
• More complex setup
• Less common today than robotic cleaners

Why We Recommend Robotic Pool Cleaners

While suction- and pressure-side cleaners can work for some pools, robotic cleaners generally provide:

• Better debris pickup
• More consistent coverage
• Less wear on your pool equipment

That’s why this guide focuses exclusively on robotic pool cleaners—and why most pool owners will find them worth the investment.

Will These Robotic Pool Cleaners Work With Your Pool?

Not all robotic pool cleaners are compatible with every pool. Before choosing a model, make sure it’s designed to handle your pool’s size, surface, and layout.

Pool Type

Most robotic pool cleaners are designed for in-ground pools, but some models also work in above-ground pools. Always check manufacturer guidelines before buying.

• In-ground pools: Most robotic cleaners are compatible
• Above-ground pools: Look for models specifically rated for above-ground use

Pool Surface

Pool surface matters because different materials require different brushes and traction.

• Vinyl liner pools: Choose cleaners with softer brushes to avoid damage
• Fiberglass pools: Most robotic cleaners work well
• Concrete or gunite pools: Look for strong brushes and wall-climbing capability

Wall & Waterline Cleaning

Some robotic pool cleaners only clean the floor, while others can climb walls and scrub the waterline.

• Floor-only cleaners: Usually more affordable, but less thorough
• Wall-climbing cleaners: Better overall coverage
• Waterline cleaners: Best for oils, sunscreen residue, and algae buildup

If your pool tends to collect grime around the waterline, a model with dedicated waterline cleaning is worth the upgrade.

Pool Size Limits

Robotic pool cleaners are rated for maximum pool lengths or square footage. Using a cleaner outside its recommended range can reduce performance and lifespan.

Which Robotic Pool Cleaner Is Right for You?

If you’re choosing between multiple top picks, these recommendations can help narrow it down.

• Best for large in-ground pools: Choose a model with advanced navigation and longer cable length
• Best for vinyl liner pools: Look for gentler brushes and lighter designs
• Best for heavy leaf debris: Models with larger filters and stronger suction perform better
• Best low-maintenance option: Cleaners with top-loading filters are easier to live with
• Best budget-friendly pick: Floor-only or simplified robotic models offer good value at a lower cost

How Much Should You Spend on a Robotic Pool Cleaner?

Robotic pool cleaners range widely in price, and a higher cost doesn’t always mean better performance for your needs.

Under $700

• Basic navigation
• Often floor-only cleaning
• Smaller filters
• Best for smaller pools with light debris

$700 to $1,000

• Strong balance of price and performance
• Wall-climbing capability
• Better filtration systems
• Suitable for most in-ground pools

$1,000 and up

• Advanced navigation and mapping
• Waterline cleaning
• Larger debris capacity
• Designed for frequent use and large pools

For most homeowners, the best value is in the midrange, where cleaning performance improves significantly without the steep premium.

What It’s Like to Own a Robotic Pool Cleaner

Robotic pool cleaners can save hours of manual labor, but they still require some upkeep.

Maintenance

• Filters typically need rinsing after every few cleaning cycles
• Brushes may need replacement over time
• Cables should be straightened and stored carefully to prevent tangling

Storage

Most manufacturers recommend removing the cleaner from the pool when not in use. Storing it out of direct sunlight can help extend its lifespan.

Longevity

Higher-end models tend to last longer due to better motors and navigation systems, but proper maintenance plays a major role in durability.

How We Test Robotic Pool Cleaners

To evaluate robotic pool cleaners, we test each model in real-world conditions and focus on performance, ease of use, and long-term ownership factors.

During testing, we assess:

• Debris pickup, including leaves, sand, and fine particles
• Coverage across pool floors, walls, and waterlines (when applicable)
• Ease of setup and daily use
• Filter accessibility and cleaning
• Overall reliability during repeated cleaning cycles

We also consider how each cleaner performs relative to its price, highlighting models that deliver strong value alongside premium options for demanding pools.

FAQ: Robotic Pool Vacuums

How do pool cleaner robots work, and can they remove algae?

Pool cleaning robots scour your pool's surfaces, vacuuming up and filtering contaminants like algae, plant matter, and bugs. Some robot pool vacuums climb the walls of your pool as well. Many cleaning robots use a waterproof power cord, while others clean cordlessly with an internal battery. Algae removal is one of the most essential duties of a pool vacuum robot. Robotic pool cleaners are designed to remove algae, bacteria, plant matter, insect bodies, and more.

Can you leave a robotic pool cleaner in the pool all the time?

As a general rule, don’t always leave your robotic pool cleaner in the pool. Products differ, and it’s a good idea to consult the manual for the pool cleaner robot you select, but most robots are designed to be in your pool while working—not indefinitely. We recommend removing the robot pool cleaner after it finishes, drying it off, and storing it in a dry place away from the sun.

Can pool cleaner robots climb walls?

Many robotic pool cleaners go up walls, but not all. Often, budget pool cleaners like the Aiper Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner are designed to redirect when they encounter a wall. These can still do an excellent job of removing plant matter from the bottom of the pool, even if they don’t clean all pool surfaces. They often cost much less than wall-climbing robots.

Is it worth it to invest in a robotic pool cleaner?

Robotic pool cleaners make swimming pool maintenance a breeze. These devices automate the challenging task of cleaning the hard-to-reach depths of your pool. Many pool cleaner robots climb the walls of your pool. Whether vacuuming away leaf matter or cleaning up bacteria or algae, robotic pool cleaners do the work that you’d previously have had to pay a pool maintenance team to do—or take the time to do yourself.

Why You Should Trust Us

We wanted our list of pool cleaner robots to reflect the best the market (and current technology) has to offer, so we spent hours researching robot pool cleaners of all sorts, poring over specs and reviews, before assessing them using our expertise garnered from years of testing robot vacuums, pool gear, and other consumer tech. We also tested a few popular models in actual pools to gain real-world experience.