The 8 Best Robotic Pool Cleaners
Robotic pool cleaners are prized possessions among pool owners, thanks to their unparalleled cleaning power and sophisticated operation. But with so many great robotic pool cleaners on the market, how do you pick the best one for you? Well, fear not, because we've put together a list of the eight best robotic pool cleaners! Throughout this list, we will discuss the features, prices, and cleaning abilities of some of the top robotic pool cleaners on the market today.
What Makes Robotic Pool Cleaners Great?
There's no denying the level of convenience that robotic pool cleaners bring to the pool care table. Their intelligent, high-tech design and hassle-free handling make them a valued part of any pool owner's collection. Whether scrubbing stubborn algae spots or vacuuming debris after a storm, robotic pool cleaners work tirelessly to keep your pool clean and clear.
One of the biggest benefits of robotic pool cleaners is that they run separate of your pool's filtration system. Unlike suction side cleaners that pass debris through the filter, robotic cleaners hold collected debris inside their filter canister. Simply empty the canister once it's full, and your robotic cleaner is ready to go again! This feature puts less strain on your pool pump, and reduces how often you will need to clean or backwash your filter.
Let's take a closer look at our most popular inground robotic pool cleaning brands and models to see why robotic cleaners consistently stand out as the best automatic pool cleaners available.
Polaris Robotic Pool Cleaners
Polaris is a name synonymous with high-quality pool products and equipment, and their robotic cleaners are no exception. The Polaris VRXiQ+ and 9550 Sport are outfitted with top-of-the-line cleaning capabilities, as well as hands-free remote control functionality. The VRXiQ+ — which connects directly to the mobile iAquaLink® app on your phone — features a SMART Cycle Cleaning mode and Targeted Spot mode for efficient and precise pool cleaning.
Likewise, the 9550 Sport uses ActivMotion Sensor technology to optimize its cleaning path and prevent cord tangling. The 9550 Sport also comes with a wireless remote control for effortless navigation and retrieval from your pool.
While the Polaris P825 lacks the remote connectivity of the VRXiQ+ and 9550 Sport, it holds its own in terms of cleaning abilities. With the Surface Control System™ feature, the P825 adapts to surface changes in your pool as it cleans, ensuring a spotless final result. Additionally, the Push'N Go® filter canister offers the quickest and easiest filter emptying process of any cleaner.
Polaris Robotic Cleaner Specs
| Model |  Polaris VRXiQ+ w/ iAquaLink |
 Polaris 9550 Sport |
 Polaris P825 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile App/Remote | iAquaLink Mobile App | Motion Sensing Remote | No |
| Caddy Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pool Surface | All Surfaces | All Surfaces | All Surfaces |
| Cleaning Area | Floor, walls, & waterline | Floor, walls, & waterline | Floor, walls, & waterline |
| Cord/Cable Length | 70 ft | 70 ft | 50 ft |
| Cleaning Cycle | 1.5–2.5 hours | 1.5–2.5 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Active Brush | Yes-Dual | Yes-Dual | Yes-Dual |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year | 2-year |
| Pool Size | Up to 60 ft | Up to 60 ft | Up to 40 ft |
| Price* | $1,599 | $1,149 | $899 |
Maytronics Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaners
Easy to use and full of high-tech elements, the Maytronics Dolphin Proteus DX5i is consistently at the top of the robotic pool cleaner charts. Equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Proteus DX5i is controlled right off the MyDolphin Plus app on your smartphone. This aspect allows you to remotely program cleaning schedules and cycle times, even if you're not at home! PowerStream™ Mobility provides the Proteus DX5i with exceptional grip on vertical surfaces for a more complete pool clean.
The Dolphin Proteus DX4 robotic cleaner shares many of the same qualities as the Proteus DX5i, minus the mobile app connectivity. While the Proteus DX4 may not be as technologically advanced as its successor, there is no questioning its adept cleaning abilities. The Proteus DX4 is armed with a unique scanning system that studies the layout of your pool as it cleans to optimize efficiency and thoroughness.
And if you're looking for a less expensive option, the Dolphin E10 is one of the most affordable robotic pool cleaners on the market, and a top choice for above ground or small inground pools. The straightforward "plug and play" operation makes activating your E10's cleaning cycle a piece of cake! Once activated, the E10 expertly cleans every inch of your pool thanks to the CleverClean™ navigation system and active scrubbing brushes.
Maytronics Dolphin Robotic Cleaner Specs
| Model |  Dolphin Proteus DX5i |
 Dolphin Proteus DX4 |
 Dolphin E10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile App/Remote | MyDolphin Plus App | No | No |
| Caddy Included | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately |
| Pool Surface | All surfaces | All surfaces | All surfaces |
| Cleaning Area | Floor, walls, & waterline | Floor, walls, & waterline | Floor |
| Cord/Cable Length | 60 ft | 60 ft | 40 ft |
| Cleaning Cycle | 1–2 hours | 2 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Active Brushing | Yes-Dual | Yes-Dual | Yes-Single |
| Warranty | 2-year | 2-year | 2-year |
| Pool Size | Up to 50 ft | Up to 50 ft | Up to 30 ft |
| Price* | $1,299 | $1,099 | $599 |
Hayward Robotic Pool Cleaners
Hayward is well-known in the pool industry for creating high-quality and long-lasting products, and the Hayward TigerShark QC robotic pool cleaner is a great representation of that. The TigerShark QC has two cleaning cycles — the standard three-hour mode to ensure a complete pool clean, and the speedy 90-minute Quick Clean cycle. A 55-foot cord and on-board pump guarantee every corner of your pool receives a thorough vacuum and scrub.
Hayward Robotic Pool Cleaner Specs
| Model |  Hayward TigerShark QC |
|---|---|
| Mobile App/Remote | No |
| Caddy Included | No |
| Pool Surface | All surfaces |
| Cleaning Area | Floor, walls, & waterline |
| Cord/Cable Length | 55 ft |
| Cleaning Cycle | 1.5–3 hours |
| Active Brushing | Yes-Dual |
| Warranty | 3-year |
| Pool Size | Up to 40 ft |
| Price* | $1,099 |
Jacuzzi Robotic Pool Cleaners
Closing out our list is the Jacuzzi JCRX robotic pool cleaner, made with convenience in mind. Not only does the JCRX come with a handy premium caddy for easy storage and transport, but this cleaner is so easy to remove from the pool, it nearly climbs out itself. With the Easy Lift Removal system, the JCRX surfaces to the point of your choosing and waits for you to pull it from the water. And once you remove it from the pool, it automatically flushes out any water in its system.
Jacuzzi Robotic Cleaner Specs
| Model |  Jacuzzi JCRX |
|---|---|
| Mobile App/Remote | No |
| Caddy Included | Yes |
| Pool Surface | All surfaces |
| Cleaning Area | Floor, walls, & waterline |
| Cord/Cable Length | 60 ft |
| Cleaning Cycle | 1.5–2.5 hours |
| Active Brushing | Yes-Quad |
| Warranty | 2-year |
| Pool Size | Up to 50 ft |
| Price* | $1,199 |
BONUS TIP: Leslie's Pool Perks Rewards members are eligible for an extended 3-year warranty on the Jacuzzi JCRX robotic pool cleaner. Sign up for Pool Perks Rewards in-store or online today!
Using a robotic pool cleaner not only keeps your pool clean and clear, but also limits how much strain is put on your pool's filtration system. Leslie's wide selection of top-rated robotic cleaners means you'll have no trouble finding the right one to fit your pool and budget. Stop by your local Leslie's today to chat with one of our expert associates about selecting your new robotic pool cleaner!
* Prices are subject to change without notice. In the event the price listed in this post does not match the price listed online or in our physical Leslie's stores, the price listed online or in the store should be considered accurate.