To keep your pool looking its best, it should be vacuumed at least once a week, or more frequently if you have trees on your property, which can release pollen and other debris that can take several hours to remove. If you're looking to spend more time enjoying your pool and less time working on it, consider a robot pool cleaner. At PCMag, we've been reviewing robotic pool cleaners for nearly a decade, and we thoroughly test every model we review in our own pools. With excellent cleaning performance, underwater remote control support, and a reasonable price, the cordless Dreame Z1 Pro is our top pick in the category, saving you hours of work while keeping your pool spotless. Read on for all of our top picks, including models that can skim the surface and dispense water-clarifying solution.
Overview
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![Dreame Z1 Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner]()
Best ValueDreame Z1 Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner
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![Polaris Alpha IQ+]()
Best Corded Robotic Pool CleanerPolaris Alpha IQ+
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![Polaris Freedom Plus Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner]()
Easiest to UsePolaris Freedom Plus Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
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![Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra Robotic Pool Cleaner]()
Most Advanced Robot Pool CleanerBeatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra Robotic Pool Cleaner
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![Bublue BuVortex V5]()
Best for Surface SkimmingBublue BuVortex V5
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: John R. Delaney
![Dreame Z1 Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner]()
Best ValueDreame Z1 Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
With up to 8,000GPH of suction power and five cleaning modes, the Dreame Z1 Pro is one of the most powerful robotic pool cleaners we’ve tested. It left our test pool spotless and was easy to retrieve and wash after it finished cleaning. It also offers precise underwater control, a feature missing in most cordless pool cleaners.
Who It's For
Budget-conscious buyers: Although it won’t skim the surface of your pool, the Dreame Z1 Pro offers excellent cleaning performance, cordless operation, and underwater control for a lower price than most competing models.
People with large swimming pools: The Dreame Z1 Pro is designed for pools of all shapes and sizes, up to 2,160 square feet. Most pools are between 400 and 800 square feet, so even if yours is very large, it should still work for you.
Learn More Dreame Z1 Pro Robotic Pool Cleaner Review -
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![Polaris Alpha IQ+]()
Best Corded Robotic Pool CleanerPolaris Alpha IQ+
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Polaris Alpha iQ+ is the company's top-of-the-line wired robot pool cleaner. It's easy to set up and clean, thoroughly scrubs your pool, and can be controlled directly with an app. In testing, the cleaner had no trouble sucking up filter sand, insects, dead worms, berries, leaves, and all other debris. Additionally, its feature-rich mobile app allows you to create cleaning schedules, guide the cleaner through your pool using a joystick controller, and focus on specific areas with the Spot Clean feature. It also offers water temperature readings and alerts for a dirty filter, providing insights that you won't get with some competing models.
Who It's For
People who don't want to deal with batteries: If you prefer a corded robot pool cleaner, it doesn't get better than the Polaris Alpha iQ+, designed for in-ground pools up to 60 feet in length. A 70-foot rubberized cable connects the cleaner to an included caddy/control box that plugs into the wall for uninterrupted power. The cable uses a swivel mechanism that keeps it from becoming twisted.
Users seeking minimal maintenance: The debris canister in the Polaris Alpha iQ+ can be emptied and cleaned with minimal effort, and a built-in indicator alerts you when it's time to do so. For added convenience, its companion app lets you create cleaning schedules, guide the cleaner through your pool using a joystick controller, and focus on specific areas using the Spot Clean feature.
Learn More Polaris Alpha IQ+ Review -
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![Polaris Freedom Plus Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner]()
Easiest to UsePolaris Freedom Plus Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Polaris Freedom Plus is cordless, so all you have to do is juice it up on the convenient charging caddy, set a cleaning mode using your phone or the onboard controls, and drop it in the pool. After completing a cleaning cycle, the robot will be waiting for you at the side of the pool—it just doesn’t get any easier than that. It lacks water temperature readings and dirty canister notifications, but it offers the convenience of underwater control. In our testing, the Freedom Plus did a fantastic job of cleaning the pool floor, walls, and waterline, sucking up all manner of debris, including acorns, leaves, and sand from the filter.
Who It's For
Simplicity seekers: If you want an easy-to-use robot pool cleaner, this is one of our top picks in the category. Since it's cordless, it doesn't need to be tethered to a base by the pool and can operate independently. Alternatively, you can steer it manually using an included light-based remote, a rare feature for cordless models.
Specs & Configurations
Product Category Smart Home -
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![Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra Robotic Pool Cleaner]()
Most Advanced Robot Pool CleanerBeatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra Robotic Pool Cleaner
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra is expensive, but it’s also the most advanced robot pool cleaner we’ve tested. It features AI-powered pool mapping, advanced debris detection, and multiple motors and scrubbers that work to keep your entire pool clean from top to bottom. The AquaSense 2 Ultra does a stellar job of cleaning, and it couldn’t be easier to use. When it completes a work cycle, it parks itself for easy removal, and you can clean the dual-basket filter without getting your hands dirty.
Who It's For
Uncompromising buyers: If you’re looking for the ultimate in hands-off pool maintenance, this is it. In addition to your pool's floor, walls, and waterline, it can skim the surface. As an added benefit, it dispenses clarifier to help clear up cloudy water.
People with huge pools: The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra is designed for in-ground and above-ground pools of up to 3,875 square feet in size with a depth of 1.3 to 9.8 feet. With those specs, it should be suitable for even the biggest backyard pools.
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![Bublue BuVortex V5]()
Best for Surface SkimmingBublue BuVortex V5
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Bublue BuVortex V5 is a simple, low-maintenance way to keep the surface of your pool spotless. It uses dual motors for propulsion and suction, and can filter a respectable 2,061 gallons per hour (GPH). In our testing, it thoroughly removed leaves, twigs, berries, and other debris from the water surface while avoiding entanglement on ladders and other obstructions.
Who It's For
People who don't like skimming: If you're looking for an affordable way to bid farewell to manually skimming your pool, the Bublue BuVortex V5 is excellent and doesn't require too much human intervention. It features a 7,800mAh battery and can run for up to 180 minutes (approximately three hours) on a single charge.
Learn More Bublue BuVortex V5 Review -
Compare Specs
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4.0 Excellent |
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4.5 Outstanding |
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4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Value | Best Corded Robotic Pool Cleaner | Easiest to Use | Most Advanced Robot Pool Cleaner | Best for Surface Skimming | Best Value | Best Corded Robotic Pool Cleaner | Easiest to Use |
Product Category | Smart Home | Smart Home |
Buying Guide: The Best Robot Pool Cleaners for 2026
Robot Pool Cleaners vs. Pressure Cleaners: Which Is Better?
Robot pool cleaners are available for every kind of pool, and many are specifically designed for certain types, so it’s important to check the specs before you buy. For example, you don’t want to buy a cleaner designed for above-ground pools if you have an in-ground one, and vice versa. When it comes to in-ground pools, make sure you choose a cleaner built to handle your pool’s construction material. Some cleaners are ideal for granite or plaster pools, while others are specifically designed for vinyl-lined pools. Additionally, verify that the cleaner can handle the size and volume of your pool.
The two most popular types of automatic pool cleaners are robotic cleaners and pressure cleaners. We only test robotic pool cleaners because they offer more smart features than those in the latter category and are simpler to set up and use. Both types do a good job of keeping your pool clean, but pressure washers rely on your pool’s filter pump (or, in some cases, an additional booster pump) to provide power, whereas robotic cleaners use electricity. Pressure washers don’t require any electrical power and, as such, lack Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios for connecting to a companion app.
Robot pool cleaners, on the other hand, are self-contained and work independently of your pool's pump. They use motorized wheels or rollers and rubber brushes to traverse the pool floor and scrub the walls and waterline, picking up debris along the way. They collect debris in an onboard filter canister and return clean filtered water to the pool.
What Should I Look for in a Robot Pool Cleaner?
Smart robot pool cleaners typically include the robot itself, a head unit that controls all operations, and a long, waterproof data cord connecting the robot to the head unit. The head unit lets you program the cleaner to run at specific times of day and on specific days of the week. Additionally, it usually offers multiple cleaning options, such as floor and walls, or floor, walls, and waterline. A cleaner that scrubs the waterline can greatly reduce or eliminate the time it takes to brush your pool's sides. Some cleaners come with a caddy that holds the head unit and stores the robot and data cord; however, in some cases, you may need to pay extra for this option. Either way, a caddy makes it much easier to move and store the cleaner, which can weigh anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds.
The best smart pool cleaners are equipped with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi radios. A Wi-Fi radio connects the robot to your home network, allowing you to control it from anywhere via a mobile app. Meanwhile, Bluetooth enables local control. Look for a model with an app that lets you stop and start the cleaner, steer it to dirty areas for quick spot cleaning, change cleaning modes, and create cleaning schedules.
One of the most important features of any pool cleaner is the debris canister. Some models come with a canister that uses a cloth filter to catch debris, while others use a fine-mesh screen. Cloth filters capture fine particles, but they require removal and cleaning, which can be a messy process. Mesh canisters are easier to clean because they can be simply sprayed down with a hose. Keep in mind that the cleaner not only picks up dirt and leaves but also any dead bugs and other debris that accumulate at the bottom of your pool. Look for a cleaner with an easy-to-remove canister that lets you empty and clean it without touching the nasty contents inside.
Advanced cleaners integrate mapping technology that allows them to learn your pool’s dimensions and contours, enabling the calculation of a precise custom cleaning cycle. This technology also features a button that sends the cleaner to the side of the pool and expels excess water for easy removal, as well as a water temperature reporting function.
Are Robot Pool Cleaners Worth It?
Robotic pool cleaners aren't cheap, and, as always, you should expect to pay more for premium features. You can get a no-frills robot that cleans the floor of 28-to-32-foot pools for around $500, but don’t expect Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a mobile app at this price; you likely also have to pay extra for a caddy with these models. Midrange robotic cleaners that scrub walls and waterlines typically cost around $800 and often include Wi-Fi and a mobile app. If you want a top-of-the-line robot with all the bells and whistles, prepare to pay $1,300 or more.
Which Smart Pool Water Monitor Is Best?
It is important to keep your pool free of debris, but you also need to balance the water chemistry to keep it safe for swimming. The two most important readings are your sanitizer (free chlorine) and pH (acidity) levels. In most cases, the pool water should have a free chlorine level between 2 and 4ppm and a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8 (on a scale of 0-14). If your pH level is too low, it can lead to cloudy water and result in itchy skin and burning eyes. If it’s too high, it can cause skin and eye irritation as well as damage to plumbing components. Moreover, a balanced pH is essential for the sanitizer to function effectively.
There are several ways to check your water’s chemistry, including test strips, drops, and bringing a sample to your local pool supply store for analysis. You can also find digital measurement devices that provide all the necessary information about your water, but they tend to be more expensive.
If you would prefer not to physically test the water with a kit and don’t have time to wait in line at the pool store, consider a smart water monitor with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi that takes daily measurements and sends the results to your phone. Most can measure your pool’s pH and sanitizer levels, while some also determine hardness (calcium), TDS (total dissolved solids), and alkalinity levels. A few monitors advise you as to how much of each chemical you need to balance your pool water and offer online shopping links for pool chemicals via a mobile app.
The Crystal Water Monitor is expensive at $499, but it provides spot-on measurements of your pool or hot tub's water chemistry and offers guidance on maintaining balanced levels. The WaterGuru Sense is another option; it sits inside your pool’s skimmer and monitors chlorine and pH levels to let you know when you need to add chemicals and how much to add. We haven't reviewed the third-gen WaterGuru Sense ($399), which supports solar power, but an earlier version we tested worked very well, delivering step-by-step instructions for balancing the water chemistry.