Compare the Best Robotic Pool Cleaners for 2025

If you plan to make summer 2025 more about fun and less about pool work, robotic pool cleaners are the easiest way to get there.

So, whether you are just getting familiar with robotic pool cleaners or already a veteran, we’ll help you navigate the features and find the model that makes the most sense for your pool.

The three big names you should know about are: Dolphin, Zodiac, and Aiper. These 3 brands are the most trusted in the market, and they are all great picks but they shine in different ways. The trick is working out which one fits your pool and your lifestyle.

We wrote this guide to help you compare them fairly while looking at all the features that make sense to you. So let’s dive in to find you the best robotic pool cleaner to give your summer season a great start.

The Things to Look for in Robotic Pool Cleaners

Before we break down the brands, let’s go over the features that really matter in robotic pool cleaners. These are the foundation for a fair comparison and covers most of the questions you may have: 

First consider your pool size & shape. Larger or freeform pools often need stronger navigation and longer runtimes. 

Then look at corded vs cordless options. Corded robots (like many Dolphin models) deliver power and reliability, while cordless (like Aiper) offers convenience and no tangles.

 If cordless is your pick, compare runtime & battery life. The longer the cycle, the more ground it covers. Handy if you’ve got a big pool or lots of debris. 

Cleaning coverage is crucial. Understanding how the robotic pool cleaner navigates the pool and what areas are covered. Some units clean just the floor, while others tackle walls and waterlines too. 

Don’t overlook filtration. Especially with Aussie leaves, dust, and pollen, look for fine or ultra-fine filters. 

And last, consider your budget and price vs value. Premium models pack in more power and durability; budget options focus on convenience and essential features.

Now let’s use these factors to see how Dolphin, Zodiac, and Aiper stack up.

Dolphin vs Zodiac vs Aiper in one glance (2025)

If you’d rather skip the details and get the highlights in one glance, this table has you covered.

Detailed Brand Comparisons: Dolphin, Zodiac & Aiper Explained

Now let’s break down how each brand performs in more detail, so you can see which robotic pool cleaner fits your needs best.

Dolphin: The All-Rounder Workhorse

Dolphin is a trusted name in robotic pool cleaners. They have been around for decades and they are known for their reliability and powerful cleaning performance. 

Most of their models are designed to handle the larger in-ground pools and provide thorough coverage. They are definitely a favorite among pool owners who want maximum results.

What makes Dolphin robotic pool cleaners stand out:

Performance, performance, performance. Dolphin models deliver strong navigation and thorough cleaning across floors, walls, and waterlines. 

At Clark Rubber, the Dolphin pool cleaners line covers the full spectrum. The E10 is the entry-level model designed for floor-only cleaning and smaller pools. The X20 steps it up with wall cleaning capability and more coverage.

For the ultimate advanced performance, the Active X6 is what you should be looking at. It is built to handle larger pools and showcases premium wall-climbing power.

Dolphin pool cleaners are also built for durability with robust filtration systems to reliable drive units which means you won’t need to replace them every year. 

The main points to remember about dolphin robotic cleaners:

• Powerful cleaning of floors, walls, and waterlines
  
  

• Built to last with durable parts and easy maintenance
  
  

• Energy-efficient compared to older pump-powered systems
  
  

• Wide range of models to suit different pool sizes and budgets
  
  

Considerations (where trade-offs might show):

Most Dolphin models are corded, which means you may need to manage cables during cleaning, not a dealbreaker, but some pool owners prefer the simplicity of cordless. 

Premium units are also on the heavier side, making them a bit less portable when it comes to lifting or storage.

Dolphin’s advanced models deliver excellent navigation and wall-to-waterline cleaning, those extra features push them into a higher price bracket.

• Corded design can mean extra cable management
  
  

• Heavier units compared to lighter cordless models
  
  

• Premium features often come with a higher price tag

When is Dolphin worth it? :

Dolphin is best suited for large or inground pools that need thorough coverage of walls, floors, and waterlines, for users who want a durable, low-fuss cleaner with strong support and long service life, and for buyers willing to trade a bit of portability for premium cleaning power.

Zodiac: The Reliable Mid-Ground Performer

When you want a solid robotic pool cleaner that delivers good performance without leaning too heavily into premium price or trying to be ultra-feature-heavy, Zodiac is often the go-to. 

It sits comfortably between the high-power, higher-cost options and the lighter, convenience-driven ones.

What makes Zodiac robotic pool cleaners stand out:

Zodiac models are known for giving you good value: strong cleaning, reliable filtration, and sturdy pumps. 

They’re particularly adaptable to a smaller rectangle or a mid-sized freeform.

Zodiac also benefits from a big support network: parts, servicing, and customer familiarity are easy to come by, which adds peace of mind. 

Maintenance tends to be simple too: lighter builds, fewer moving parts, and straightforward filter access make them easier to live with than some higher-spec models.

And for those who prefer cordless, Clark Rubber also carries the Zodiac FreeRider FR2000 iQ, giving Zodiac buyers the option to go cord-free without switching brands.

The main points to remember about Zodiac robotic cleaners:

• Balanced performance without pushing the budget
  
  

• Adaptable to average Aussie pool sizes and shapes
  
  

• Backed by a trusted brand with wide service support
  
  

• Easy to use and maintain, with straightforward designs

Considerations (where trade-offs may show):

While Zodiac gives you dependable value, it doesn’t always lead the way in cordless or battery tech if long run time or fully cord-free convenience is your top priority, Aiper’s Scuba S1 2025 newer models may have the edge. 

Some Zodiac units also deliver less refined wall and waterline cleaning compared to higher-end Dolphins, especially in pools with steep slopes or tricky shapes.

• Most models are still corded, with fewer advanced cordless options
  
  

• Wall and waterline cleaning can be less refined than premium rivals
  
  

• Higher-spec models sometimes overlap with Dolphin pricing
  
  

When is Zodiac worth it?

Zodiac is a great fit for pool owners who want reliable cleaning power without all the bells and whistles, those looking for a trusted mid-range balance of value, support, and solid features, and anyone who doesn’t need top-tier extras but still wants a cleaner that works well without much fuss.

Aiper: The Cordless Innovator or the Apple of pool cleaners

Aiper is the newest player of the three, but it has quickly made its mark with a cordless-first approach. 

While Dolphin has built its reputation on power and durability, and Zodiac on balance and dependability, Aiper is carving out its place by focusing on sleek design, battery performance, and smart features.

What makes Aiper robotic pool cleaners stand out:

Aiper robotic pool cleaners stand out for their cordless-first design, long runtimes, and smart filtration that make pool care simpler, more modern, and hands-off.

At the top of the range, the Scuba X1 Pro Max shows off what Aiper can really do, with advanced navigation and extra-long runtime designed for larger, more demanding pools. 

The Scuba X1 Pro brings that same innovation into a versatile mid-tier option, offering a smart balance of power, runtime, and filtration.

And then there’s the Scuba S1 2025, the latest evolution of Aiper’s design. With up to 180 minutes of cordless cleaning, dual filtration that captures everything from leaves to fine dust, and multiple cleaning modes, it’s built to make pool ownership as hands-off as possible. 

Even better, it’s available exclusively at Clark Rubber, giving Aussie families access to the newest generation of cordless technology.

• Entire range built around cordless convenience
  
  

• Long runtimes, with premium models lasting over 3 hours per charge
  
  

• Strong dual-filtration systems for both debris and fine particles
  
  

• App connectivity for monitoring and scheduling
  
  

• A growing product family that spans entry to premium models
  
  

Considerations (where trade-offs might show):

Being cordless and lightweight makes Aiper super easy to handle, but it can mean trade-offs in climbing very steep walls or heavy debris cleaning compared to corded workhorses like Dolphin.

When is Aiper worth it:

If you want a modern, cordless cleaner that keeps things simple and saves you time, Aiper is well worth considering. 

The Scuba X1 Pro Max is a great choice for larger pools, while the Scuba X1 Pro balances runtime and power at a mid-range price. 

And the New Scuba S1 2025 offers one of the best mixes of convenience, runtime, and filtration for families who want more pool time and less pool work.

The Best Robotic Pool Cleaner is the one that fits your needs

You probably already came to this conclusion yourself but clearly there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer here or a single clear winner. 

Choosing your robotic pool cleaner really comes down to your pool, your budget, your love for style, and how much effort you want to save.

Dolphin is worth it if you’ve got a large inground pool and want proven reliability, powerful wall-to-waterline cleaning, and a model that will last season after season.

Zodiac is worth it if you’re looking for a dependable mid-range option with strong support, or if you like the idea of cordless but prefer to stick with an established brand like the FreeRider FR2000 iQ.

If you want modern, cordless convenience, long runtimes, and sleek design, then Aiper is the answer. 

The Scuba S1 2025, available exclusively at Clark Rubber, makes this technology more accessible than ever. 

At Clark Rubber, we carry all three brands because every pool owner is different. The right choice is the one that matches your lifestyle and how much effort you want to put into pool care.

Let’s make this the summer of more pool fun and less pool work.